SIZZLING STYLES FOR OUR THE ENTIRE BRIDAL PARTY

New Collections Added to Our Spring Edition by Alexia Designs

Spring is on the way and so are new spring styles! We all know that brides love to look stunning on their wedding. But who's to think that bridesmaids don't have that same thought? Without upstaging the bride of course.

Our intimate boutique offers a wide selection of bridesmaid dresses that offer elegance, value and fashion. We are delighted to offer our signature collection by Alexia Designs. Their designs have received much recognition, attention and awards. We were excited to release to you our fall collections. We are even more estactic to share new styles added to the spring edition!

Alexia Designs defines attractive, luxurious, elegance, extraordinary, irresistible and affordable. Shop the different collections of Alexia Designs. Every wedding should have its unique touch! That's why our intimate boutique only offers the best.

See Our Sneak Peak Below and Schedule your bridal party appointment today!

Pair it up! Gown and Shoe choices for every type of Bride!

Image: luigi diamanti / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Happy 2011! 

I know we have been gone for awhile but, we were off enjoying the holiday season!  We're back now and ready to tackle a new year.


In this months post we are going to talk about how to "Pair it Up". Of course I am talking about dresses and shoes.

Taking a look at some of the Spring 2011 trends we have put together some dress and shoe pairings for four bride "types". 

Traditional

 Our traditional bride is longing for the lace, bows and taffeta. It's going to be white and if there's an accent color it's strictly pastel. Think Shelby in "Steel Magnolias".

Our Gown Choice:

This beautiful gown made by Bonny style #042 is a beautiful mix of what the traditional bride wants. A sweetheart bodice that leads down into a luxuriously full ball skirt. This dress is accented by beaded lace and a cathedral train.

 Our Shoe Choice:

Simple but elegant white satin shoe by Benjamin Walk, (makers of Liz Rene Couture, Touch Ups and Johnathan Kayne, and Dyeables). Perfect choice for a more traditional bride.

 Modern

Our Modern Bride is ready to hit the ground running. She has discussed, with her planner, the ways the wedding can be more "green" and has made sure that local produce will be used for the reception dinner. 

Our Gown Choice:

 This light and flowy gown by Bonny   style #048, is perfect for our modern bride.A wonderful mix of couture style and clean design.  This one shoulder dress drops down into an empire waist and then to an a-line skirt with cathedral train.

 Our Shoe Choice:  Another wonderful shoe by Benjamin Walk. Strappy but, not over the top with a beautiful symmetrical rhinestone accented diamond design.

 Funky

Be ready for anything that this Bride throws at you! She may be arriving atop and elephant with the local high school marching band providing fanfair. Or, you may be set on a city-wide scavenger hunt to find the reception location! You just never know. 

Our Gown Choice:   

It's the non-traditional color of this dress that appeals to our funky bride. This dress with its strapless bodice, dramatic pick-up skirt and semi-cathedral train it sure to help her make the entrance she is looking for!                                     

Our Shoe Choice:

This bootie, by Benjamin Walk, adds that bit rock and roll style our Funky Bride is looking for.

Destination 

She is ready to start the new adventure of married life with an adventure. She has her passport in hand at all times. She might not even make it to the reception, if she can convince her husband that that 8:00 pm flight to Spain is a better idea!

Our Gown Choice:  

              A perfect choice for that on the beach in Barbados wedding! This Bonny gown style #052 made from chiffon. Starts at a sweetheart neckline, flows into a beautiful flared skirt and has elegant lack up ties  in the back.  Accented with a simple rhinestone broach.                

Our Shoe Choice:

Don't be afraid to get this one wet! This jeweled jelly shoe from Benjamin Walk is perfect for that after vows walk in the surf!

We here at It's A Bridal Thing can make any of these, and many more choices, possible for your big day!

Feel free to take a look at our website at It's A Bridal Thing.com or give us a call at 704-893-0201 and see how we can make your big day special!

We hope you like our selections! Please let us know!

Get Great Ideas Online!

When you first meet your wedding planner, it's good to come with some general ideas about how you want your big day to look. Here are some websites we  here at It's A Bridal Thing think will help get you started!

Want to see how Jessica Alba, Carrie Underwood or Gwen Stefani  looked on their big day? Take a look at In Style Weddings. They have their Best Dressed Celebrity Brides list which includes people like Elizabeth Taylor, Princess Diana and Katie Holmes. They also have great galleries of wedding cakes and  floral arrangements organized by color!

 The Brides.com Idea Gallery is another great resource! In addition to having wedding cake and floral galleries, they have galleries for  Stationary and Invitations, Wedding Favors and Food and Drinks!


A Wedding Sketchbook is a blog by Michelle Mospens. She details her thoughts on unique wedding invitation ideas, how to make the most out of an engagement photo shoot and backyard wedding reception ideas. Our favorite part of her site is her Wedding Color Trends for 2011 Part 1 and Part 2. Some of Michelle's picks for 2011 wedding colors? Amazon Green, Oyster Gray, Mauve, Celadon, Violet Purple and Clementine Orange!


Want something to help you put all of these ideas together for when you meet with your planner? Try The Knot.Com's Wedding Inspiration Boards. All you do is choose the template you like best, add images(either from The Knot's website or your own photos) and save and share. Tons better than Post-It-Notes in all of those bridal magazines you've bought!




Here are a few non-planning websites that we want to share.

My Wedding.com allows you to make a wedding website, with all the bells and whistles for FREE. They offer beautiful design templates, photo galleries and you can even add music!

Need a laugh to relieve wedding stress? Check out And The Bride Wore... . Hilarious site that covers fashion mishaps from wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses and even tuxedos. 

As always, we here at It's A Bridal Thing are here for all of your wedding planning needs! We cover everything from gowns, tuxedos, flowers and invitations! Call us at 704-893-0201 and let us give your big day a beautiful touch.

Be Jeweled for your Big Day!

Finding wedding day jewelry can be as difficult as finding a great gown.

You want that perfect match between beautiful and classy, unique and elegant. The choices that are available between the internet, mall jewelry chains and hometown jewelry stores can be overwhelming.But, finding that perfect piece can make the digging worthwhile.

If you are really wanting that one of a kind piece to round out your wedding day wardrobe try Etsy.com  .

There are thousands of handmade, unique designs that would be perfect for your big day! Not only that but, some of the Etsy artisans are willing to create custom pieces based on your wedding colors or just your personal preferences!

We have gone through the Etsy site and pulled out a few of their incredible artists for you to look at. Enjoy!

Just a reminder to take a look at our great coupon at Merchant Circle.com! And become friends with us on Facebook and Twitter!

 Alexia Ruzoa's(http://alexiaruzoa.etsy.com) beautiful designs are earthy, funky but, very classic. Her use of natural gemstones along with  brass links, in various finishes, creates a great look for a more edgy bride.

Alexia Ruzoa-Histoire D'amour Necklace and Earring set with freshwater pearls, glass pearls and crystals. $89.00

Alexia Ruzoa-Pink Flower Necklace and Earrings Set with pink and fuschia glass pearls and burgundy crystals. $ 26.00

Alexia Ruzoa-Giardino Verdi Necklace and Earrings Set with pastel and forest green glass pearls and lime crystals $48.00

Jewelry by Roz(http://jewelrybyroz.etsy.com) these creations will give you that something blue in an elegant and beautiful way.  

Jewelry By Roz White Glass Swarovski Crystal Dangle Necklace with grey and sapphire blue swarovski  crystals. $36.00

Jewelry By Roz-Textured Loop with Blue Swarovski Crystals. Sterling silver textured loop with Sapphire blue swarovski crystals and white beads. $28.00

Fine Art Reflections(http://fineartreflections.etsy.com) has classic Victorian and nature inspired designs. Perfect for traditional and non-traditional brides!

Fine Art Reflections-White Pearl Branch Bracelet.Nature inspired bracelet with branch centerpiece, frosted white lucite leaf and   Swarovski creme pearls. $21.00

Fine Art Reflections-Victorian Silver and Pearl Earrings. Antique silver earrings with Swarovski pearls and silver filigree diamonds. $19.00

                                              

Fine Art Reflections-Antiqued Silver Ivory White Pearl Necklace with sterling silver art nouveau pendant accented with Swarovski ivory pearls. $26.00

DDurda's designs(http://ddurda.etsy.com)are full of bling!

Tons of gorgeous designs with Swarovski and rock crystal beads. Perfect for the high glamor bride.

DDurda Pure Heart Necklace with Swarovski crystals and Bali Sterling Silver Beads. $105.00

DDurda-Crystal Clear Bracelet with Swarovski crystals and sterling silver beads. $42.00

       

DDurda-Large Rock Crystal Quartz and Sterling Silver Earrings. $25.00   

                                          

What do to do?

You have found the perfect gown, shoes and jewelery. Now, what to do with your hair?

For some brides wedding day hair is an afterthought, for others it's the only thought.

When you are thinking about that perfect style keep a few things in mind

1. The style of the dress - You want to make sure your hair doesn't cover any of the accents on your dress or take away from the style of the dress itself.
2. Shape of your face- Pick a style that frames your face and brings out your best facial features.
3. Not the time to be daring- This is not the time to try out that new hair color you have always wanted or to put in the Rapunzel length extensions. If you are itching to try something new, have a hairstyle run through a few weeks before.
4. Make sure it is something you are comfortable with- Don't let your bridesmaids talk you into a loose chignon when you love having your hair down! Remember, this is your day and you should be happy with every part(no pun intended)!

Here are some great wedding day hairstyle ideas for every bride!

This curly up-do accented with flowers would be great for an outdoor fall wedding. Think about it accented with orange spray roses, mini sunflowers  or orange Mokera orchid stems as a nod to the season.

This style evokes 1940's Hollywood glamour. This sleek and chic do is wonderful for a nighttime wedding and easy to maintain on the big day.

Stylish and elegant this natural style is perfectly accented with a sculptured flower. Perfect for a destination wedding!

Short, but not on style! Accent short hairstyles with headbands, or jeweled accessories, to provide a beautiful accompaniment to your gown.

This straight style is accented by a jeweled headband but, could easily be done in ribbon that matches your bridesmaid dresses.









This was just a taste! For some other great ideas take a look at the hairstyle galleries at:

•  Martha Stewart Weddings
• The Knot
• Brides

Fall and Winter Weddings

Hello Friends!
It's the time of year when the leaves start to fall, the air gets colder and the possibility of snow is upon us(maybe!).

Image:Evgeni Dinev/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Did you know that October is second only to June as the most popular wedding month!

Some great fall/winter wedding ideas are:

 Instead of a traditional wedding cake why not have a decorated spice or pumpkin cake?

Colors for the seasons include ones found in nature like rich oranges, browns and greens; as well as jewel tones like reds, purples and blues.

Consider having your fall wedding at an apple orchard or old barn to take advantage of the beautiful scenery of the season.

What about flowers? For Fall mums, roses and daisies are generally inexpensive flower choices for fall and dried wheat stalks make a great bouquet filler. Winter choices could include crocus, lilies and tulips. Think about using dried eucalyptus and holly berries for accents.

Imagine a winter wedding at an old inn or historic house with fireplaces and picture windows to look out at a fresh blanket of snow.

Some winter wedding favors could include snow globes, gingerbread house making kits or an ornament that commemorates the wedding date!

Image: Aleksandr Kutsayev / FreeDigitalPhotos.net


We here at It's a Bridal Thing! are here to help you will all of your wedding needs. We can coordinate everything from wedding planning, dresses, tuxedos and flowers. Just give us a call at 704-893-0201 or visit It's a Bridal Thing.com to set up an appointment.


We are offering a 10% discount on Bridesmaid dresses from now until December 31st! Please see our coupon at Merchant Circle.com for all the details.  

We've Moved!

We are proud to announce that we have moved into our new and larger location. We are able to give a larger selection, maintain affordable prices and work with the entire bridal party all in one location. We strive to give personal services for each customer we work with.

Visit us at our new location with great access to I-485:

It's A Bridal Thing!

13005 E Independence Blvd

Matthews, NC 28105

P (704) 893-0201

T (800) 804-2082

F (704) 893-0162

Call and schedule your appointment today for your bridal party. We are here to help with all your wedding needs from wedding gowns, bridesmaid dress, tuxedo rentals, formal shoe wear and more!

Fresh ideas, New Trends and a Fabulous Team

Happy New Year Brides and Grooms! Wow 2010... We've come into a new decade.

For us, it's a time a bliss. We have fresh ideas, new trends to display and a fabulous team to bring it to the spotlight.

The wedding industry has grown tremendously. And we find ourselves appreciating the vintage styles of past more so now; then we did years ago. That's why our bridal store has inventory to fit any bride, any theme, and any season.

Your wedding date will approach quickly. Do yourself a favor and allow our professionals to help you with the various items on your checklist. We've made it easy for you- it can be done all in one spot! Hire your wedding planner, design the theme to your venue, select your wedding dress, create your floral arrangements, and custom design your wedding invitations- and color coordinate his tuxedo.

What more could a bride ask for?

Shopping for a Perfect Wedding Dress?

Selecting your wedding gown involves more than just picking out the best design that you think you've ever seen. Before you confuse your mind with unweighted details such as designers, size, label, etc. Window shop until you drop! Ask yourself several pertinent questions, such as your needs, requirements and your expectations.

A wedding gown should constitute a small portion of your total budget. The money allocated to this purchase should be spent wisely. For example, a gown designed specifically for you is going to be more expensive than a gown purchased off the rack in a bridal boutique. Depending on its style, design, and fabric, gowns range from an affordable price point to those that would cost as much as the budget for the entire wedding. It is always a sound and practical move to have an estimated budget before you approve a design or make a purchase.

"Eight tips to remember when your shopping for your wedding dress: (1) Money Matters, (2) Style and Comfort Should Work Together, (3) Find the Right Gown at the Right Boutique, (4) Create, Compare, and Take Notes, (5) Don't Lose Focus, (6) Purchase Your Perfect Dress"

Shopping for a wedding dress can be a daunting experience. Consider taking a friend, or a family member; or have someone that has already been married accompany you. Their experience may be a good source for great information or advice. Besides, it's another perspective in helping you make a good choice with your selection; it also allows them to share in part for what is going to be one of the most important days in your life.