How to handle a wedding diaster

Sometimes brides will have a "problem" that they are faced with on the day of their wedding, we are here to help you be prepared to handle any problems that come your way.

Example 1: If your officiant does not show up
This can be a huge factor on the day of the wedding if this issue were to occur. Always have a backup plan! Most wedding planners today will have their officiant license, which is always an important question to ask them before you hire them. They can always be the one to step in at the last minute if this becomes a problem, which is another reason why it is important to hire a wedding planner. Know someone in the wedding/invited to the wedding that is a licensed officiant.

Example 2: If the exit car does not arrive
If for some reason there was a communication error between someone, and your transportation company, have a backup plan. Put someone in charge of making sure someone is watching out for the exit car, and knows exactly what to do in any situation. Make sure that person in charge has the transportation companies contact information. Have a families car ready for the exit if your transportation has not arrived AT LEAST 30 minutes before the end of the wedding.

Example 3: You run out of ice or alcohol
Depending on how much time you have left of the reception, this can be a crucial thing for keeping guest there sometimes. If you have a caterer, make sure when booking them you ask what they will do in that situation, or if they have extra stored just in case. If you don't have a caterer who supplies the alcohol, or you are having a smaller wedding, have a backup plan ready. Have money set aside for one person to leave to purchase more if needed. Specs liquor stores can help you figure out exactly how much you might need, and will always let you return what you didn't use.

Example 4: Divorced parents don't get along
This can sometimes be a sticky situation, put can be easily handled with a wedding planner, or things are put to plan ahead of time. Have them seated on opposite sides of the row, or if they REALLY don't get along, you can even place one on the brides side, and one parent on the grooms. Also, you can put one in front of the other row, but sometimes that can cause a controversy having to be one row back. But hopefully they will be appropriate, and stay positive with no drama to make your day perfect in every way.

Example 5: A bridesmaid bouquet is missing and the florist already left
Florist can be very busy on the day of the weddings delivery to weddings all around. Make sure to call them as soon as someone realizes one is missing, and see if they can quickly make on to bring. This is why it is important someone is there to check all of your flowers in to make sure nothing is missing. If worse comes to worse, carefully take apart a couple of larger bouquets, and use a couple of their flowers to make an additional one.

Example 6: If a child is throwing a tantrum during the ceremony
If you plan on having a flower girl or ring bearer, make sure to practice with them before hand. If they are in a bad mood waking up that morning, I would take them out completely so you won't be upset or surprised by any crying/screaming. If there is a child that is not a part of your ceremony throwing a tantrum, your wedding planner/parent can politely ask them to go outside. It always helps to have the child’s mother stand discreetly at the end of the aisle, preferably with candy, and tell him or her all he has to do is walk straight to her.

Example 7: Your wedding dress zipper breaks
Have a sewing kit in your emergency kit for the day of! Find people, even guest who know how to sew, and literally sew her into the dress.

Example 8: A guest is too drunk and making a scene
If they are really bothering people around them, or you and your groom, have someone remove them casually. You don't want a scene, so ask their friend to take them home politely.

Example 9: If it rains
If you are having an outdoor ceremony/reception then you need to have a back-up plan ahead of time to avoid any dilemma's. If your reception site does not have any covered area, go ahead and reserve large tents ahead of time, just in case.

Example 10: The best man forgot the ring
The best way to do this is have the groom hold on to the rings until right before the ceremony. But if they are accidentally left, use one of your parents rings, and no one will ever know the difference.

Example 11: Your DJ doesn't show up
This is why it is important to always confirm with vendors a week before hand. If for some reason he does not show up, plug someones ipod/computer into some speakers, and let the dancing begin. No one will care, don't make a big deal about it, have fun!

How to budget for your Honeymoon

1. Set up a honeymoon registry. Many non-traditional couples today have moved in together before they have gotten married. They have set-up their "house" and have most everything they need once they combined their things. Once couples go from living independently they might have the challenge of merging two households into one. The challenge is deciding what to do with two sets of everything, especially for their kitchen. In this situation the usefulness of a traditional wedding registry is limited. As an alternative or a supplement to a traditional wedding registry, many couples are using a honeymoon registry. Guests can contribute money or activities towards the honeymoon activities that will help save on the couples cost.

2. Check out a bed in breakfast/All Inclusive resort. Once you arrive all of your meals, and non motorized sports will be included. You can order as much food as you want, at any time of the day. You have everything catered to you, and don't have to worry about opening your wallet once you arrive. If you use a travel agent, she can set up a package with flights, and free transportation to and from the hotel . If you are staying in the states, go with a bed in breakfast, for a quiet atmosphere, that is cheaper than a regular hotel. Breakfast will be included, and most can offer a "special suite" for honeymooners.

3. Look at condos and villas. If both or one of you likes to cook, a condo or villa can be a great way to save on your honeymoon. With a fully equipped kitchen, you’ll be able to prepare many of your own meals. You can go to the local grocery store, and get everything you need for the week. You can then enjoy each other without anyone around. You will save a ton of money staying in, not eating out every night, which will leave money to splurge on a couple meals. 

4. Shop for deals online. There are all sorts of great places to get deals online. Conduct an Internet search for food or lodging discounts in the city you will be honeymooning. For example, websites like restaurant.com, groupon, etc. can provide you with dining discounts, and hotwire.com can provide lodging discounts. Most websites now offer flight+hotel+car rental deals, don't wait. You might pay more before hand, but you will save more when you arrive in the end.

8. Plan well ahead of time. Booking air travel and lodging 6 to 9 months before your honeymoon will save you money. Flights will go up the longer you wait, the earlier you book, the more you save. 

9. Pick your priorities. If you know you won't be spending much time in the room, and you are the type of couple who prefers more activities throughout the week, spend less on the hotel. If you are a couple who loves to eat at expensive restaurants, but doesn't like activities, cut the cost that way. Pick what is most important to you, and budget for each thing.

10. Travel during an off season. Pick a time of year when people aren't traveling as much, and cost for things will go down. Even by flying on a different day of the week can lower the cost on flights.

Matthew Christopher Event

 

We had such a great time with each of our brides, and Matthew! Even if the weather was horrible, and delayed the arrival of Matthew getting here from New York. We had an awesome time getting all fixed up by Truc, with The Primp Bar, and enjoyed everyones company. Thanks to all of our vendors, and brides who came out in the horrible weather to hangout with us for the night! We had some brides purchase some stunning Matthew Christopher gowns that we can't wait until they arrive! What a wonderful experience for those brides having their dresses customized by the designer making it one of a kind!

 We also had some of our previous brides come join the cocktail party, and purchased their beautiful bridal Haute Bride jewelry. When the traveling photobooth arrived, people couldn't get out of it. Our brides really had fun with it... and so did our sales consultants! We enjoyed wonderful food by Rajun Cajun, and delicious white wines from Memorial Wine Cellar. We had photographer, Julian Bajsel, from Modern Luxury Magazine come by, and we can't wait to see his pictures! Such a wonderful weekend!

Pick the wedding dress for your body type

 

Tips when Wedding Dress Shopping:

Put something on that you wouldn't normally try on, everything looks different off of the hanger.

Come in with an open mind, don't be set on what pictures you found in a magazine. Have fun with it!

 

Don't bring too many people. We know we all love to have our best friends, and families opinion, but too many opinions can be overwhelming. You want this to be a good experience, and don't want to be upset at any point of the appointment.

 

No Matter what your body type, we can help you find exactly what you are looking for. We are a store full of consultants who know what looks good, and what style looks good on certain body types.

1. If You're Busty

* A thin satin slip dress type of dress can make you look top-heavy. Balance out your chest with a full skirt.

* The subtle dip in this bodice will soften your bust-line.
* A one-strap provides support, while the diagonal ruching shrinks your chest.
* Pick something with a lace illusion neckline, then you are still getting the classic sexy, without showing too much.
* A dress with a scooped neckline. It will open up your face and display your neckline without showing too much cleavage.
* If you love the look of strapless gowns, choose one that has a slight dip along the neckline, not a deep sweetheart, rather than a style that goes straight across.

Essense of Australia D1273

 

2. If You're Petite

* If you want to look long and lean, stay away from big ball gowns, and go for something more body hugging like a trumpet, sheath, and modified A-line.

* Find a style with a waistline above your natural waist, to make the lower half of the dress (and therefore you) appear longer, and your legs won't look short.

Pronovias Balira

3. If You’re Straight-Lined

* Look for a dress that will create curves where you don’t have them. Flared skirts, diagonal draping, and daring necklines.
* Look for a ball gown that cinches in at your natural waist and descends into a full, flowing floor-length skirt: It will capitalize on your slenderness and camouflage a lack of hips.
* If you have a small bust, look for a bodice with some ruching to create volume. Install cups into your dress to give you a little more shape.

Matthew Christopher Dahila

4. If You're Tall

* A simple silhouette is all you need. The strategy is to emphasize your natural shape, so every aspect of the dress needs to reflect your longer proportions. If you're wearing long sleeves, they should go past the wrist. You don't want to look as if you've borrowed a gown from someone shorter than you.

Pronovias Urumbea

6. If You’re Plus-Size

* Celebrate your curves in a gown that shrinks and defines your waist. Accentuate your hourglass figure in a fit-and-flare wedding dress.
* Minimize your hips and shrink your waist in an A-line wedding dress. Side draping and lightweight fabrics are super slimming.

* Make sure the Empire seam does not start on the chest and that there is no pleating of the fabric, which is reminiscent of maternity wear. The dress should play up your shape; if it’s too loose, it will add pounds.
* Find fabrics like satin that provide structure, rather than anything too flowy. If you love the romantic look of airier fabrics, choose a gown with a stiffer base, then add an embroidered tulle overlay.

Pronovias Diosa

7. If You're Hour-glass shape

* Show off your amazing curves, minimize with waist-defining sashes and A-line gowns that shrink the hips.
* The A-line skirt dress helps minimize the hips, while the detailing around the bust helps create balance, making your hips look smaller.
* A skirt that gradually flares out in an A formation from the natural waist to the floor, highlighting the narrowness of the midsection and floating away from the hips and thighs.
* Sturdier fabrics, such as satin and taffeta, are especially effective, since they won't cling.  * A spaghetti-strap bodice or a V neckline will also showcase a more slender upper body.

If you want to show it off... Essense of Australia D1460Essense of Australia D1410

 

If You're Small-Chested

* A ruched bodice. Extra fabric up top will help fill out your upper body and create the illusion of curves.
* Lightly padded halter styles will also do the trick.
* The right bra will always provide a nice boost, but as many wedding dresses are strapless or backless, your undergarment options may be fairly limited. Instead, try self-adhesive silicone bra cups by NuBra (available at nubra.com).

Justin Alexander 9693

 

Buying off the Sample Rack

What girl doesn't love a good sale?

 Especially for those brides who have waited until the last minute! Why not buy your gown off the rack, instead of worrying about it for 4-5 months?! Then with the help of our in house seamstress, you can make the dress your own. All of our sample off the rack dresses are from our store,and have been marked down significantly. We are a one stop shop.... so now that you saved on the dress, you will have the extra money to spend on accesories you want, like: belts, undergarments, veils, shoes and jewelry!

 

If you have a tight budget, it is the perfect stop and shop on dime! Every now and then we have those brides who aren't aware of the sample rack.

 

When purchasing a wedding gown off of the sample rack from Houston Bridal Gallery, there are a couple of things that you will need to know:

 

 

- Payment in full is required. Since we are not ordering you a brand new dress, and since the dress has been marked down so much, we ask for payment in full.
 

- We will store your dress here until your wedding: We will treat your dress like any other dress. We will carefully enclose your gown in a plastic garment bag with your name and wedding date, and store it safely in our back room with the others. The last thing we want is you driving all over town with it in your car, at the risk of getting damaged.
 

- Alterations: THIS IS A SEPARATE COST. You are still welcome to use our in house seamstress, especially since we will have your dress stored here already. We will have everything in one spot for each alterations appointment. Our seamstress has over 20 years experience, and comes highly qualified. She is truely amazing at what she does!
 

- You purchase the dress as is: since our sample dresses have been tried on a lot, there might be minor damages to the dress. However, the price has been marked down substantially, and our seamstress can fix anything. We would not let any dress walk out of this store that we weren't proud of. We will treat it like any other dress and make it look like brand new. It is always easier to take a dress in rather than let it out.
 

- Cleaning: A pressing is not included, all of our sample rack gowns have already been pressed in the store, therefore we do not include a free pressing like our new dresses. However, we offer a dry cleaning service with wedding gown preservation for $175 (Allow 6 weeks), and if you want your dress pressed it is $60.
 

- You can always check your dress out, and bring it back: we know that our brides want to take bridal portraits, but don't want to risk their fiance seeing it at home. So anytime you want check your dress out for bridal portraits, and bring it back to store here, we will do! (That is usually when we recommend doing the spot cleaning and pressing)
 

- Make the dress your own. It is easy to do in alterations, just tell her what your vission is, and she can always add simple additions such as straps, lace sleeves, or even key whole backs will create a whole new look, and make the dress as individual as the bride wearing it.
 

- We recommend having an appointment: Our consultants have the knowledge about each dress, and can help you find exactly what you are looking for. We know what looks good on, and we understand the factors that go into purchasing an off the floor gown, so we want to make sure we pair the correct dress with the correct bride. Also, we want the dress to stay in the best condition as possible, which will assist the bride putting it on.
 

- Bridesmaids Dress discount: If you have 4 or more bridesmaids, we will offer you a discount on each of their dresses. We know it is a hectic time for you, why not have all of the dresses for the wedding stored in the same place for pick up?

Below is the same Pronovias dress
that our seamstress completely transforms to make a one of a kind. Our bride wasn't a fan of the feathers, and wanted a sweetheart neckline. So we made that happen for her.

Matthew Christopher Event

We are so excited, and waiting on pins and needles for Matthew Christopher to arrive on Thursday! Twenty-Six new Matthew dresses just arrived in the store for our wonderful brides to enjoy!

 

Don't forget to RSVP to Thursday nights event!

 

We would like to thank all of our wonderful vendors who are involved for the event this week! Don't miss out on the fun!

 

 

 

About Matthew Christopher

Cake Trends

The traditional wedding cakes have been taken to a whole new level lately. Eye popping cakes that will WOW the guest are beginning to be the new wedding trend. Brides are not holding back one bit, no one is scared to use colors, textures, and designs. Some brides are not even having a wedding cake at all, and doing a dessert table instead. It is totally up to the couple, and how well they give their designs to the cake decorator. Just remember one thing: Don't get too carried away. Famous cake decorator Weinstock says "the biggest mistake that couples make is wanting too much decoration, You don't want your cake to have that I'm-wearing-all-of-my-jewelry-at-the-same-time feel."  We have even seen brides using a cake/pie as the center piece of their tables instead. Each table will have their own cake/pie standing on a cylinder vase. It's your day, have the dream cake you want!

 

Newest Dresses in the store

We are loving our newest dresses in the store! Book your appointment now!

Justin Alexander Style # 9723

This strapless mermaid silk dupioni dress features beading that accents the neckline, natural waistline and hip line. Silk and beaded buttons cover the back zipper and cascade through the end of the chapel length train.

 

Justin Alexander Style # 9724

This strapless silk dupioni envelop pleated bust line has a pearl and crystal motif on the side waistline. Beaded and silk buttons cover the back zipper and continue until the end of the chapel length train.

 

Justin Alexander Style # 9707

Crystal beading accents the sweetheart neckline and asymmetric draped bodice of this Silk Dupioni ball gown. Crystal buttons accent the back zipper and complement the beaded applique on the pick up of the chapel length train.

 

 

Wtoo Style Catalina 10423

 

 This is our new beautiful sequined lace ballgown strapless rouched bodice with a chapel train. This picture does not do it justice, you get that right amount of sparkle right when the light hits it.