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Are you considering a First Look?

March 30, 2021 By Leave a Comment

Bride St. Louis Wedding Planning - First Look

A “First Look” is the term used when a bride and groom decide to see each other before the wedding ceremony.  Many couples go back and forth on this decision.  While, a traditional bride might prefer to have her groom enjoy the first sight of her as she walks down the aisle, there are many benefits to having a first look.  Here are 8 reasons to have a “First Look.”

  1. Wedding days should be full of emotion and should not be stressful.  A first look can add so much beautiful emotion and happiness to your day.
  2. If you are Jewish you must see the groom before the wedding to sign the wedding contract.
  3. A First Look helps eliminate those “I think I’m going crazy” nerves that you often feel before the wedding.  Seeing your honey and sharing that time can provide instant relaxation and assurance that everything will be just fine.  While some fitters and nerves come back when you are about to walk down the aisle, it’s different.
  4. Photographers enjoy doing photos before the ceremony as there is less stress and more time to be creative.
  5. Many guys lock up when you come down the aisle.  They feel “on stage” and you often won’t get an honest response out of him.  He’s nervous too!  When he can see you before, he can take it all in, respond to how beautiful you are, laugh with you, cry with you, and most importantly…TALK TO YOU!
  6. When you choose to see each other before the ceremony you have time to touch-up makeup, are able to say things to one another and you are actually able to enjoy your time together before the ceremony.  While there are tears, you can take time to re-compose before your walk down the aisle.
  7. Many times the reception and the ceremony are very close together in time scheduled to eliminate a long wait time for your guests.  However, that means that once the “formal photos” are done, there is usually not enough time to do the really great candid shots.
  8. TIME with your groom alone!  The day will be very busy!  Guests will be congratulating you, wanting to ask thousands of questions, and you will have no time with your groom until the end of the day.  The First Look gives the two of you some time together.

If you’re traditional, it’s okay to skip it.  Remember that you can always change your mind – even on the day of your wedding!  Some couples prefer that the first time they see each other to be when the bride walks down the aisle in church.  It can be an exciting and emotional time, and you can share that with your guests.  Plus, the photos after the ceremony capture you wearing your rings.

 

Filed Under: Wedding Photos, Wedding Planning Tagged With:

Tips for Attending our Bridal Shows

February 26, 2021 By Leave a Comment

 

Show are a rite of passage for the newly engaged and is a wonderful way to meet the top local vendors.  They are fun, inspirational, and exciting, but at the same time can be a bit overwhelming.  Here are some basic tips to help you make the most of your day:

  • Have fun and plan to make a day of it. There are many exhibitors, and you want to make sure that you have time to speak with everyone you need to.
  • One of the best things about a bridal show is that it gives you an opportunity to see what’s new and exciting, things you may not have thought of or considered.
  • Bring preprinted self-adhesive address labels with the following information: your name, address, phone number, email (create a new email address that can be deleted after you wedding) and wedding date. This will save you time and allow you to sign up for drawings or anything you want very quickly.
  • Wear comfortable shoes . . . you will be doing a lot of walking around and standing when speaking to all the exhibitors.
  • Bring along your fiance, a friend and/or family member. It is good to have someone to share the experience with and to offer a second opinion.
  • Many exhibitors offer show specials, so take advantage of them! Be prepared to book with the wedding professionals or schedule an appointment./
  • Enjoy it! Bridal shows/wedding expos are fun! Remember, if you don’t get it all done that day, check our website for another show in your area soon!

 

Come and spend an afternoon with us!  It’s weddings, weddings, everything weddings.

Filed Under: BRIDAL SHOWS, Wedding Planning, Wedding Shows

Top Spots for Engagement Photos

February 18, 2021 By Leave a Comment

It doesn’t surprise me that there were lots of wedding proposals over the last few weeks.  And now that your wedding is official, here are some perfect locations for your engagement photos.  The St. Louis area has a plethora of iconic settings and eye-catching public parks that are prime for unforgettable photos.  (When the snow melts!)  So, all you new brides-to-be, now is a perfect time to schedule your session with Spring just a few weeks away.

Most of these are FREE public places.  Places not included are those that charge – like Missouri Botanical Garden or Union Station.  Have special interest and hobbies?  It’s always fun to incorporate your likes into these photos.  For example, if you love baseball, get some matching baseball shirts and have them personalized.   And, if you have pets, brings them along for a few snaps as well – and then have someone take care of them while you tend to photos of just the two of you.

A new option, is not only still photos – but video as well.  That’s a great way to introduce your special other, especially if you have not had an opportunity to meet extended family and friends.

This is not an all-inclusive list – but places that readily come to mind.  Do you have a special place that you think should be included?  Send it to us (bride@bridestlouis.com), and receive a $3.00 discount to our next Bridal Show on February 28th, 2021 at The Christy Banquet Center in O’Fallon.

Ballpark Village
Bee Tree Park
Butterfly House
Carondelet Park/Boat house
Castlewood State Park
Chesterfield Central Park
City Garden
City Museum
Creve Coeur Lake Park
Drace Park
Faust Park
Forest Park – Bridges, Walkways,
Fort Zumwalt Park
Graffiti Wall Downtown
Great Rivers Greenway – Bike Trail
Jaycee Stage – Historic St. Charles
Jewel Box in Forest Park
Laclede’s Landing (Neat Old Bldgs.)
Lafayette Park
Landing in St. Louis, The
Laumeier Sculpture Park
Longview Farm
Missouri River in St. Charles
Mississippi River Front
Moonrise Hotel
Muny in Forest Park
Oak Knoll Park
Quail Ridge Park
Sandy Covered Bride, The
Shaw Nature Reserve
St. Charles Gazebo on Main Street
St. Ferdinand Park
St. Louis Zoo
Tower Grove Park
Wineries
Washington Boulevard
Water Tower
World’s Fair Pavilion

 

Filed Under: Engagement, Engagement Photos

Wedding Gown Shopping? 13+ Tips for Stress Free Wedding Gown Shopping

February 2, 2021 By Leave a Comment

13+ Tipd for Stress Free Wedding Gown Shopping

13+ Tips for Stress Free Wedding Gown Shopping!

  1. Create a budget.   Most brides will spend about 10% of their wedding budget for their dress.
  2. Start shopping early.  It takes anywhere from six to twelve months from the time you place the order to when you bring your wedding gown home.  Bridal designers need four or five months to make it, and then you need to schedule fittings.
  3. Know what kind of dress you want. Love satin, hate lace…let your stylist know what you love and what you hate.
  4. What kind of wedding are you having? Destination wedding, outdoors, grand ballroom, barn/country….this decision will play some kind of role in selecting the right dress for the mood of your wedding.
  5. Most bridal shops prefer appointments, but most are happy to work with walk-ins too. Saturdays can be crazy busy, so why not try a weekday appointment for a more private and relaxing experience.
  6. Bring one or two people whose opinion means the most to you. The reality bridal TV shows show brides bringing a huge group of family and friends – and that just add drama and indecision to the process.
  7. Get ready for your appointment and bring items you want to wear down the aisle. Wear a strapless nude bra and a seamless thong or brief.
  8. Some dresses look better on you than on the rack. Let the stylist help choose a style which will flatter your body.  Keep an open mind.  Try different silhouettes to see which one makes you feel stunning.
  9. Forget about “sizes” in the wedding gown industry. Every designer’s size charts are different.  Taking in a gown is easy; letting it out is difficult.
  10. For most shops, a 50% deposit is required when you order.
  11. Don’t be afraid to say “yes” to the dress on your first attempt. When you know, you just know.  If you feel exceptional in that dress, it’s your dress.
  12. Move around – sit – dance a bit. You want to be comfortable.
  13. Gowns are made to order, so minor details can be customized or switched. You can add a belt to add some sizzle, or add some colored tulle underneath to add contrast.  Straps can be added or you might want to order a small jacket or fur for those cooler months.

And a few extra tips –

Fit is everything, which is why, when it comes to your wedding dress, alterations are everything. You can splurge on a pricey dress, but if it’s not altered properly it won’t look any better than a gown that’s a tenth of the cost.

Budget for Alterations:  Bridal Alterations can add up.  Some shops charge per service ($200 to shorten your gown, $150 to resew seams, etc.) while others charge a flat fee that covers anything you’ll need to make the dress fit you perfectly.  Design changes can cost anywhere from $50, to cut a sweetheart neckline, to hundreds of dollars.

Don’t Buy a Gown to Small:  Never buy a too-small dress, thinking you will lose the weight.  It’s easier to take in a larger dress, than to let a smaller one out.

Wear your Wedding Shoes:  A seamstress will adjust the hem based on the shoes you’ll be wearing at the wedding.  If you haven’t picked out your wedding shoes yet, bring a pair with a comparable height.  Your hemline should gently graze the ground, so that you don’t trip.

So, where are you buying your dress?  Be sure to choose a reliable, bridal store that cares about helping you be your very best on your special day.  There are some disreputable stores, that have poor service after the sale.  Even some of the larger chains have bad reputations.  There are both good and bad online bridal stores – and once you purchase your dress, it’s yours.  Use care when going that route as well.

Be a beautiful, happy bride in the dress you love!

Filed Under: Bridal Gowns, Wedding Gowns, Wedding Planning

Here’s How to Make Those Engagement Photos Great

January 29, 2021 By Leave a Comment

Engagement Photo Ideas by Bride St. Louis

With the new year it’s time to welcome a new group of newly engaged couples who will begin their wedding journey.   Besides setting a date and a budget, many couples, especially if the wedding has a short planning period, want to get their engagement photos early in the process.  Generally, I suggest scheduling your engagement session at least six weeks prior to the date you want to mail your announcements.  And earlier than that if you are sending out Save the Date cards and want to personalize them.

A question that many couples have concerning their engagement photos is “What to wear?”  Engagement photos should reflect who you are and what you love.  So if you love casual jeans and a more relaxed look, go for it.  If you’re a fashionista, just be sure that both of you have outfits that match your level of dress.  Wear clothes that are complimentary.  Your personality and style will greatly influence your choice of clothing, but keep it simple.

Having talked to several photographers, here are a few other guidelines for you to keep in mind.

What’s Good:

  • Wear solid colors with little or no pattern. Avoid prints and stripes as well.   If you both want to wear the same color, try different shades or varying hues.
  • Dark colors are always slimming.  Many couples like blue jeans and black shirts.  And gals, a cute dress is always a good way to go.
  • Keep in mind your body type.  Anything baggy will make you look bigger than you are.  And jersey material will cling to your body, and may reveal unflattering curves.  Also avoid tight fitting clothes that accentuate every curve of your body – unless that’s the look you are going for.
  • The layered look is great for almost anyone.  Casual jackets, sweaters, etc. would be perfect.
  • Gals can jazz up their outfits with cute heels, a terrific hat, or other accessories.
  • And speaking of accessories, bring along fun signs, maybe other personal items like a guitar, or even your dog…if these items are part of who you are.  And you guys with a motorcycle, don’t be shy about getting a few photos with your bike.

The engagement period can be one of the happiest and most romantic time of your life, and your photos should reflect that casual, crazy, fun-loving attitude.

On our next post, we will give you a list of favorite St. Louis locations for your photos.  And don’t forget about purchasing your tickets for our next Bridal Show “My Dream Wedding” another great St. Louis Bridal Show at The Christy Banquet Center in O’Fallon, MO on Feb. 28, 2021.  Tickets and details at BrideStLouis.com.

Filed Under: Engagement

How to Care for Your engagement Ring, Wedding Bands and other Wedding Jewelry

January 26, 2021 By Leave a Comment

How to Care for Your Engagement Ring by Bride St. Louis

 

Congratulations to all your newly engaged brides-to-be.  We thought this would be an excellent time to share with you some tips on how to care for that newly acquire ring.  Wedding rings will last a lifetime, and maybe longer if you pass it down to future generations, so extend the shine and sparkle and keep your stones safely in their settings.

  1. Clean your wedding jewelry at home with warm water and a baby soft tooth brush. Stay away from sinks and drains.  Lotions, powders, soaps – even the natural oils from you skin will create a film and reduce their brilliance.   You can use a small bowl of warm suds containing a mild household liquid detergent, but don’t use any cleaners containing chlorine.  Be sure to rinse and avoid touching the diamond with your fingers.  There are also ultrasonic cleaners available that you may purchase, and there are some liquid jewelry cleaners that you can buy as well.
  2. Store your rings in a separate soft compartment, fabric lined case or box with dividers to avoid scratches. Be careful when using ring holders or jewelry dishes as these tend to stack rings on top of each other which can cause damage.
  3. Don’t remove your ring in public. Hand washing with COVID-19 is recommended, but resist the temptation to remove your engagement ring.  It’s very easy to leave your ring on the ledge of the sink or worse, drop id down the drain!
  4. Avoid wearing your diamonds while doing housework, yard work or other kind of rough work. Even though a diamond is extremely durable, a hard blow could chip it.
  5. Insure them! Get comprehensive coverage against loss, theft, damage and mysterious disappearance.
  6. Once a year take your engagement ring and wedding bands to a jeweler for inspection and cleaning. They will check for loose settings, any worn prongs and other potential problems.  However, if you see a loose stone or prong between your annual checkup, immediately take your piece to the jeweler.  Your jeweler can also professionally clean your ring at the same time.  If you have a 14K white gold setting, it can look a little worn with time and wear, but your jeweler can rhodium plate it to bring back its shine.

 

Filed Under: Engagement Tagged With: ,