Save the Dates....better late then never???

Our wedding is just over 6 months away.  Crazy to think how time has flown by!!!

I designed our own Save The Dates and had them printed.  They were delivered last week and I put the ribbon through the holes to create bookmarks.  I like them and my fiance likes them.  They are definitely uniquely ours.  That's the great thing about having those graphic design skills!  I've been considering creating a side business using those skills.  I would help people create Save the Dates, Birth Announcements, moving announcements- things of the like- that are truely unique for them. 

Now, we just have to get the Save the Dates in the mail- at least our guests will have 6 months' warning.  It's better than 6 weeks. 

In a perfect world, they would have been sent in May.  While, they didn't get sent at the perfect time (according to every wedding planning book and website out there) at least they are getting sent.

Hopefully everything else will be smooth sailing from here on out.

Centerpieces....

I've decided, that while I love the idea of having all tulips for our reception centerpieces, I am going to take my chances and go to the farmers market day-of and buy pre-bundled flowers.  These premade bouquets can run about $5 each rather than $50-$200 for each centerpiece. Since our wedding is in May, I'm sure there will be some Tulips available at least.  I probably will splurge on one really nice floral arrangement for the front of the church that we can move to the reception.

Both the Mill City Farmers Market and the Minneapolis Farmers Market have a number of floral vendors.  And because they are awesome and have websites, I can contact the growers ahead of time to see what they plan to have for the following weekend.

Hmmmmm.

You do the math.

Where to Find: Paloma Blanca

Paloma Blanca, to me, is quintessentially, unequivocally beautiful, glamorous, and 100% bride.  I love all the gowns I see in their ads, have loved the gowns and the materials they are made of.  The two above I happen to LOVE.

Only a few MN shops carry these dresses that typically range $2,000-$4,000.

Brides of France
Minneapolis, MN
612.926.1596
(Edina location)

Brides of France
Minneapolis, MN
612.208.0870
(Richfield location)

Mestads Wedding
World
Rochester, MN
507.289.2444

Raffine Bridal Boutique
Stillwater, MN
651.430.0990

Does Anyone Want To Play "The Price Is Right???"

In a previous post, I mentioned that you can often find extremely similar gowns to those that are DESIGNER labels and over priced.  Here's another example.  Jasmine is a design co that is really becoming very modern- just link Vera Wang.  I'm certain no one would know you weren't wearing Vera Wang.

I went to Brides of France at 50th and France and tried on this Paloma Blanca gown- style #4111- which retails for over $3400:

When I continued my search,  I found this very similar Allure gown- retails for $729-$799




Then, when I went shopping again, I found this Moonlight gown for $595:

Yes, there are differences, but there are similarities as well.  I think I'll save the 3K.

There are a lot of companies that make high quality gowns for a SEVERE fraction of the price of Vera Wang or Oscar Delarenta.  Hmmmmm  10s of thousands or a few hundred to a thousand?  I will be able to sleep at night knowing I didn't spend half of a down payment (or more) on a house, or to buy a car in cash for what I plan to wear on our wedding day.

New Discounts...

Bridal Center in Plymouth has been inundating me with mailings to remind me and update me on their sales.  Lots of gowns and things are 75% off now.  I found a few dresses and accessories there myself- I just thought I would pass it along.


Reportedly there is supposed to be a point system to those that make purchases.  I didn't get any points for shopping there- the points result in prizes- the prizes are displayed in the store.  I wouldn't mind winning but since they seem wishy washy on how to earn points- so it seems like a moot point.

This shop is one that is in a property that Wal-Mart bought out in Plymouth and will be relocating to a new location that as far as I know is TBD/TBA.

More dress shopping

I was so blessed to have my future sister in law and her daughter in Minnesota this past weekend +.  The real reason that they were suddenly in MN was the funeral of her grandmother on Sunday which was difficult of course.  However, we were able to spend quality time together as a family which was terrific.  On Monday evening, they were even up for going to look at bridesmaids dresses- which was SO much fun!  My (soon-to-be) niece was excited and even had me trying on more wedding gowns.  Once they had found maids dresses they liked, my niece had me looking around Mary Kay's Bridal for bridal gowns again.  I had already sort of made up my mind about the dress I was going to get.  I tried on two that I already had written down, plus some new ones that my niece suggested, and some that were not in the store the last time I had been there in September or August.  We were flying through the wedding gowns that we had pulled ourselves and then one of the girls working asked me what shape I liked the best and what my budget is.  She came back with 3 or 4 different options and the last one I tried on.... well I kept it on for a good 40 minutes.  It was extremely similar to the Allure gown I had in mind, and they are both very similar to the Paloma Blanca gown I tried on at Brides of France at 50th and France in Edina- but for a SEVERE FRACTION of the price. Paloma Blanca's are beautiful- lined in silk- every design I see I love- but DO NOT love the price.    I know I would regret spending a few thousand on a wedding gown.   Just typing "a few thousand on a wedding gown" made me feel ridiculous.  I will gladly find a comparable gown and not regret it later.

After all,  NO ONE will know or care that you were or were not able to buy a Paloma Blanca- or even more of a sticker shock- VERA WANG- hello.  (My mom told me how someone she knows was invited to the Vera Wang salon and now the bride is in shambles because she can't afford $30K on a dress.   I don't think she realizes how silly that sounds.  $30k will buy you a modest end BMW or a high end-all-the-bells-and-whistles-you-could-want domestic car,  OR be a hefty down payment on a HOME.  Hmmmmm choices.

Should we play "would you rather?"?????

I don't think we need to.

A tale of two (or more) dresses...

I've always told my friends who are brides to be- if you find a high end dress there is a comparable, less-expensive one out there that will be in or closer to your budget.

Gown by Paloma Blanca ($2145 at the Wedding Shoppe, St Paul, MN)

Comperable gown by Casablanca Style 1972 ($720 on the Wedding Shoppe's website)

Comparable Gown in Chiffon ($398 on the Wedding Shoppe's website)

Dress dilemma....

Does anyone else have problems committing to a gown?  On a few occasions now, I think I've found the dress- only to go back, take a photo and have a resounding "THAT IS  NOT IT" when I flip through the photos. 

Le sigh.

I'm told that this is the month I have to order my gown too- only adding to the stress of- you need to make a decision...soon/now.  The time constraints are tricky since my fiance and I have two children.  Dress shopping cannot be done at a drop of a hat or leisurely.    Additionally, our second child was just born in June- giving me 4 months to "bounce back" and another 9 to potentially lose another 20 pounds and make the dress I order...potentially obsolete or a major recut.

No wonder I haven't made a decision.

It's also hard to imagine yourself in a gown that, as a sample size, is smaller than the size one (or many) would normally wear. Not only that but wedding gowns, for some reason that defies logic, typically run 2 sizes smaller than regular clothing.  Sorry average size 14 women- you're going to need to order an.... 18???!!! WHAT.  That doesn't add to any pre-existing stress or self-confidence/ image issues that so many women have already either. 

No wonder so many women go on diet binges at the time of their wedding- the size on the label is freaking us out because, maybe- hopefully, most of us are comfortable in our skin and confidently say "YES- I am a size 'X'" - only to be completely thrown when we are looking at a size chart with a consultant who is about to shatter our comfortable world and tell us that we are two sizes larger than we are accustomed to believing we are.

I had thought, as someone who had previously worked in formal wear- that my life experience would provide me with some extra insight, comfort, level of understanding---something to that effect that would soften the blow of knowing I will definitely need to order larger than my post-baby usual size 14.

It's a conspiracy- I swear.  No wonder shows such as Bridezilla and Who's Wedding Is It Anyway? AND Say Yes To The Dress are so popular- all the brides out there- they just want to be comforted and know/see that they aren't as bad as some of the women featured.  After all, they might have told me what larger size I need to order- but at least I'm not as crazy as "THAT" bride.

I should stop now- before I start talking too much more in circles.

Where to Find: Jasmine

Jasmine is a great gown collection- one that the shop I worked for once upon a time carried.  Check out their webpage to see what portions of each line the shops carry (gowns, maids, etc)

The line's popularity has grown since then and Jasmine gowns can be found at many boutiques in Minnesota:

The Special Event Boutique in Alexandria

Jackie J's Bridal and Formalwear in Alexandria

Belles and Beaus in Austin

Two Hearts Bridal and Prom in Bemidji

Angeliques Bridal in Blaine

Bridal Elegance in Cloquet

Princess Bride of Duluth

The Silhouette in Easton

Elegant Affair in Fairmont

North Country Bridal in Forest Lake

Heartstrings Bridal in Hopkins

Lorraine Shop in Mankato

Fun and Fashion in Mankato

The Bridal Gallery in Mankato

Rush's Bridal in Minneapolis

Blossoms and Bridal in Montevideo

Alan Evans Bridal in Moorhead

Mrs. B's Bridal and Sewing in Owatonna

Elegance by Lin Dee in Perham

Mary Kay's Bridal in Saint Louis Park
Jenni's Bridal Boutique in Rochester

Mestad's in Rochester

Dena Marie Bridal and Tux in Roseville

The Bridal Boutique and Outlet in St Cloud

The Wedding Shoppe in St Paul

A Specialty House of Bridal in Sauk Rapids

The White Rose Bridal and Formal Wear in St Charles

Raffine Bridal in Stillwater

Our Shop in Stillwater

The Bridal Loft in Virginia

Carrie Johnson Bridal in Waite Park

Bella Bridal in Woodbury

Napier Bridal.... closing?!

A good friend of mine found her dress at Napier--- off the rack---for a steal!  So I have been hoping to go back and be just as lucky. The wedding website The Knot sent an email alert that the shop will be closing at the end of this year. A bummer for future brides- but if you're in the market now- they are reducing their inventory and prices are slashed up to 80%! If you work/live downtown St Paul or on the East side of the metro- this is a particularly convenient location.

Here's the info from the email:
Napier Bridal will be closing its doors on December 30th. All of our gowns are priced to sell! Take advantage of big savings on gowns by award-winning designers.
Huge selection of bridal gowns up top 85% off. All designers, all styles, sizes 6-24W.
All gowns reduced under $999 with most gowns priced under $499!
Special occasion and flowergirl dresses $39. All gifts and accessories up to 60% off.

Call (651) 457-5212 today for your appointment!

Napier Bridal
940 South Robert Street
West St. Paul, MN 55118
http://www.napierbridal.com/
Here are the exact details from their website:

ALL GOWNS
ALL DESIGNERS
ON SALE UP TO 80%
Sizes 6-24W
Special Occasion Gowns, Mother’s Gowns,
and Flowergirl Dresses$39.00
Sizes 6-24W
Veils, Headpieces and Jewelry 60% OFF
Bridal and Special Occasion Shoes $19.99
Gifts and Accessories 50% OFF
(Garters, handbags, toasting flutes, guest books,
pens and other ceremony/reception items)
New and Used Men’s Formal Shirts,
Vests and Ties 50% OFF
Discounts are limited to items in stock.
No special orders will be taken.

Forever Yours Bridal Gowns- An Update

If you're in the search for a Forever Yours gown- try the Bridal Center in Plymouth.  Right now all of their inventory on the sales floor is half off.  (The property they are currently located at was sold to Wal-Mart and they have to vacate- the store will be reopening at an unknown time and unknown location- in November.

I stopped by the first day the sale was open to the public- and there was A LOT of inventory!  I picked up two matching flower girl dresses, an "after party" dress, and earrings.  I might head back and look at the jewelry again- the trip was worth the savings!

it pays to call around...

I think I may have possibly found the dress. it's so hard to know though. I started calling around to see what other stores carry the dress. plenty of stores. either have it in stock or did but sold it off the rack.

I originally tried the particular gown I am thinking of at the wedding chapel in crystal/new hope. I had a list from the designers website of what stores carry their line and started calling.

Rush's had the dress but sold the floor sample. they asked where and if I had tried it on. I told them the weddding chapel but I wasn't necessarily comfortable ordering from them based on things I had heard. Then, they asked how much the first shop was selling for ans offered to do a price match (as long. as the manager ok'd ). the next day. they called back and said yes. Cool.

I didn't stop calling there though. I also wanted to know who had it in my size or close so I could see how it fit.

I called Dena Marie they had it but no special offers, no price match.

I called bella Bridal in woodbury they had it and provided a price range.

I called Napier- they, I found out later this week are closing in January- which could mean really good deals on closeout merchandise!!! I think i'll stop in sometime to see what they have and see what kind of savings I can find.

the best call I had was to Mestads in Rochester. Since I called, I. was eligible for 15% off if I order my dress the day of my first visit. SWEET! ALSO offered 20% off bridesmaids and w tux order free delivery and on site alterations. how cool!

needless to say, I plan to visit Dena Marie and take photos and hit up mestads with my final choice!

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Things are falling into place....

Today we met with our reception coordinator at the church, got on the Pastor's calendar for our first pre-marital counseling meeting (1 of 3), nailed down the time for the ceremony and reception. Yay!  AND since our wedding is on a HOLIDAY weekend- we get to set up the night before! JOY!  Stress free wedding day here we come! (Or at least as close as you can get!)  It was super important to me to get a few things finalized before the fiance started his next semester of school (TOMMORROW).  It's such a relief!

Next.... deposit and contract to the DJ to save almost $500 (Thank you MN Bride Magazine shin dig last fall), set up a time to talk with and finalize day of details with caterer.  Once those two things are done- whew- it's like we're half way done!

Dress shopping with mom...

My mom and I finally got to go dress shopping together.  We hit three stores in one day.  It was a lot to take in and it's hard to know which dress is "The One". Maybe that means I haven't found it yet.

We started by going to Mary Kay's Bridal and Tux- who recently moved from their Richfield location to St Louis Park.  Needless to say- location makes this bridal shop ideal.  I had two gowns written down from my visit to their new location.  I'm thinking that neither of those is "it" now.  I did add two of the new Impression gowns to my list- which I love.  Fiorella is unique and very couture.The other I couldn't find on their website.  My mom and I spent over 2 hours at this stop.  The new location is great- very clean and welcoming.  Their old location was tired- the upgrade was well worth it.  I hope the move only affects their business in a positive way.  This shop allows you to put 50% down on your order and payments to pay off the gown (must be paid off within 30 days of arrival)- which is great- I know I can allow more for the gown of my dreams  under this than 100% down at time of order- ouch! The gowns are organized by designer and they don't cut out their labels- you know that you're getting what they say you are.

After marinating over our visit at the nearby Coffee Buzz (they do have delicious coffees and it's a small, locally owned business) we debated whether or not to head north and check out two other shops.

I called Bridal Center in Plymouth and they said no problem- come on up.  Sandy was the woman who answered my call and the consultant we worked with.  This shop is tired looking.  It was very busy with tux pick ups, and gown fittings.  This shop baffles me - they cut the tags out of their gowns but advertise their designers on their web page.  The consultant asked me if I had any pictures that she could look at for styles that I liked.  I broke out my three-ring binder and showed her the range of styles I was drawn to.  Then she asked me what size samples I had been trying on.  I told her 14-20.  Then she was off to pull samples for me.  The 14s were not exactly fitting- but the dress I liked the best here- I wouldn't have been given the option to try if I hadn't given her my current clothing size as a starting point.  It was nerve racking to have her pull dresses for me- what on earth was she going to pull? Had she picked up on the style elements I was drawn to?  After all, when they had a gown that was in my binder in stock she was excited to share that "Ohhh we have that one!" or "We don't carry that designer".  My response was- of course you can't carry every designer- that would be crazy (not to mention impossible!)  She did pull a gown similar in style to a dress by Justin Alexander (was on the cover of Brides in May 2010).  Of COURSE it wasn't exactly the same- but the differences were fairly minimal. This look alike gown was one that I wrote down.... but made me wonder- what does the real Justin Alexander dress cost in comparison?

After we left that store- I wondered if my girlfriend that I had brought there for wedding dress shopping felt the same anxiety I did while the gowns were being pulled.  What on earth would THEY pick for ME to try on?! THEY are selecting my gown- not ME. It was all very stressful.  The highlight of the visit was when the consultant went for a veil to add that very finished and in my opinion over the top veil to the look.  I was holding my breath as she placed the veil on my head- trying to stifle the horror as well as the laughter as I politely explained that veils are not so much my thing and I'm planning on going with a fun comb to finish off my hair.  I could feel my mother behind me stifling her own laughter- her face bright red with the knowing look of 'I know that you're not into veils'.  Thank goodness my own mother has embraced my dislike for veils and is OK with it!  My mother compared the shop to Ma and Pa Kettle- hillarious!

Our third and final stop was The Wedding Chapel in Crystal/New Hope.  My first visit here was ok- I had two of my girlfriends with and my sales person was Melissa- she felt like a ball of stress to me and I was under the impression that she didn't like me because I didn't say "yep this is the one' at any point during my visit. My second visit a week earlier- was with Laurel- who was very nice to work with.  I tried on a few of the gowns I had written down from my first visit and discovered that I wasn't in love with any of them.  When I called this time to see if they could pull the gowns I had written down from my most recent visit- they couldn't find my card.  Luckily, I remembered where I had found most of them.  I don't think I got all of my "top picks" from last time but most of them.  So, now I have THREE cards at this shop. I'm not so sure how much I trust them after that.  I had tried to go in one other time to try on the gowns I had written down from my first visit- but after they couldn't find my card that time either I was a no show to my "appointment". I realize that is bad etiquette and all- but they couldn't find my information- that's less than helpful and made me feel like I wasn't a priority.  My mother was impressed by the number of gowns they had in stock.  She didn't remember the complaints we used to hear of this shop when we worked at Her Special Day or while she was at AJ Bridal.     

The gowns I have written down at this shop are:
Dress #1   
Dress #2  
Dress #3
Dress #4
Dress #5

Any favorites people?

Where to Find: Essence of Australia

This is a line that I have come to like more and more with each ad I see in a magazine and after viewing their website.  Essence of Australia is only carried at three stores in MN:

Jennie's Bridal Boutique in Rochester
Vowed in Elegance in Mankato
The Wedding Parlour in Grand Rapids

It looks like a road trip might be in order....

I just learned that Jenni's Bridal Boutique in Rochester is having a trunk show in August!

THRILLED!

Our church gave the ok for our wedding date for both the ceremony and reception!  I am SO thrilled about this new development- I was giddy with excitement to receive the e-mail from the building coordinator.  Now I can relax about needing to find a contingency reception site- whew!  That was really stressful- and was NOT sure what we would find in the metro area that worked with our budget and style.

I took a quiz today about what my wedding style is- I never put any stock in those things but thought it would be fun to see that yet, once again, those dumb quizzes don't work.  This one.... was a match! I would say Randy and I are pretty traditional- we both want to be married in our church, but don't need, or feel it's necessary to have a black tie- super-elaborate affair with all the staff or intricate and elaborate details. (You won't find one of those cakes covered in flowers waiting for us to cut into it.  Did you know bakeries can charge per flower- making the cost of the cakes RIDICULOUS.)  Getting back to my point- the quiz.  It was spot on. 

T-bear is up from his nap- have to run!

Engagement Story

It occured to me that I have failed to post our actual engagement story- so here it is:

For Mothers Day 2009, my fiance took me out to a really nice restaurant- Crave at the Galleria in Edina. (He is very traditional). Friends of ours (Damara and Ilana- thank you so much!) watched our son who at the time was nearly 9 months old. He proposed between dinner and dessert. He hid the ring under my napkin and hed me close my eyes. I couldn't help but wonder what was going on. Finally he told me to open my eyes- nothing on the table looked different since the ring box was hidden. He had to tell me to move my napkin and there was the blue box which I opened. Inside, nestled a beautiful marquis cut diamond ring with four round diamonds on either side of the band. I didn't say anything- I wanted to hear him say what he wanted to say.  I wanted to know that he specifically asked me to marry him and spend the rest of our lives together before throwing the ring on my own finger and saying yes.

Just then our server came up to our table and asked if we were interested in dessert. When she saw the ring she stopped talking and asked "Did he just propose?"

I told her " I think he's getting to it."

She quickly dismissed herself in embarrassment. He told me that we've been through a lot and things have continuously gone better after some hard times and he knew that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me. I was so happy, smiling so hard my face hurt. I of course said yes.

Crate and Barrel!

I've just entered Randy and I into the Crate and Barrel Dream Wedding Giveaway!  So excited- it's determined by votes- so if you stop by check it out! It takes less than a minute!

To enter we had to create our registry with Crate and Barrel and write a few short essay questions.

With Randy in school and me doing contract work only- this would be a huge blessing!

Where to Find: Dessy Gowns

Dessy Gowns is a larger company that carries a few different lines.
Dessy Collection- Bridesmaids and Flower girls
After Six- Bridesmaids and Flower girls
Alfred Sung-Bridesmaids and Flower girls
Lela Rose- Bridesmaids
Sandals- Destination style wedding gowns (no one carries these in MN)

I found a Sandals gown that is super cute and they boast their affordability on their web page.  You can order a sample to try at home for $35- and you can have the sample-on-loan (what ever they have available closest to your size) for 2 business days to try it on and make up your mind.  This is a really cool idea.  The return shipping is also included. There is a $20 per day late charge if you take longer to return the dress- which they probably track online and after 5 business days they charge you the full amount of the gown. Plan wisely!

They can be found at:

Flutter Boutique-Minneapolis (After Six, Alfred Sung, Lela Ros)

Dena Marie- Roseville ( Dessy, After Six)

The Wedding Shoppe- St Paul ( Dessy, After Six, Alfred Sung, Lela Rose)

Glenrose- Plymouth ( Dessy, After Six, Alfred Sung)

The Wedding Chapel- Crystal ( Dessy, After Six, Alfred Sung)

Rush's Bridal- Minneapolis ( Dessy, After Six, Alfred Sung, Lela Rose)

Bridal Accents- Savage (Dessy, After Six)

The Hope Chest- Ham Lake ( Dessy, After Six)

Bella Bridal Boutique- Woodbury (Dessy, After Six, Alfred Sung)

Little Bridal Shop- Rogers ( Dessy, After Six, Alfred Sung)

Mestad's Webpage redo

Mestad's has updated their webpage.  I just wandered over there at random and wow- a huge improvement!  It looks so much more professional than before (but maybe in part because of the browser I tend to use it didn't look as great as it could have).

Mestad's always has something going on it seems- trunk shows, engagement parties- so I like to check their website.  For example- this weekend (January 22-24) the Rochester location is having an Allure trunk show and the St Cloud location is having an Emerald trunk show- purchase your gown at either and save 20%.  It's always nice to have some extra cash in your pocket that you weren't anticipating...

Invitations

We had found a cute invitation we liked at an online retailer.  Now, they're gone. That might explain why I never received the sample I ordered. Bummer. So it's back to perusing wedding invitations.  Buying online can be scary. How do you know what you are going to get? What will the paper quality be like?  Will they really match the mood of your celebration?  Or your colors? So many concerns and things to consider! 

There's always the option of designing your own. Which could be fun- but after the time and energy involved- maybe it would make sense to just buy or compromise.  For example- I like pocket invitations- where the invitation is on one side and then the informational cards are in an folder pocket- making everything easy to keep together for guests.There aren't that many pocket options out there so I'm considering purchasing the invitation and then making the pockets and insert cards myself in order to save about $1000. 

I've also found it may be tricky to find the colors we are hoping to use- yellow, white, aqua, turquoise, and green.  So I've been debating using a solid color such as gray or some variation of for the invitation itself and then make the pocket cards and pocket color more interesting.

To digress, it's hard to know what kind of quality you're going to receive when ordering online.  Here are some helpful things I found while online yesterday.

Dawn's allows you to order 3 samples for free.  It's really more of a request so that people don't get too greedy I think.  Which is also good because it forces you to ask yourself- which ones am I most interested in?  (I requested 3)

Get Married also allows free samples and there is no cap on the number to request. (I requested 4 samples)  Hopefully I will receive the samples I requested- I'm a bit skeptical since this is the same site that I requested a sample from before and never received.


Ann's Bridal Bargain's also does free invitation samples.(There was only 1 I was interested in).

Wedding Paper Diva's charges $1 per sample.  Not every style is available to sample.  I have 25 saved to my favorites list and will enlist my fiances help to narrow down the selections. This is the website I am most impressed with for number and variety of invitations.

Exclusively Weddings allows 5 samples to be ordered at no charge. I chose four.

I also stumbled upon Hello Lucky a very cool invitation line- they're based out of San Fransisco and London and you can see how this reflects their designs.  Samples are $5 and the package prices are a bit more than other websites- but they will work with you to really personalize your invitations.

Minted is also a great new site I stumbled upon. They have trendy modern designs and a lot of color options. Samples are $25- whoa. However, the $25 is credited towards a future order. Phew- at least that's something!  Also- I'm a member at UPromise- so a portion of online orders is credited back towards future education expenses- so why not line your future kids pockets for college a little bit?  4% of your purchase goes back to your UPromise  college fund.  I saved 6 favorites on this webpage- but again- will consult with the fiance before anythings ordered! They also have super cute return address labels.

Fine Stationary samples are $2. There are over a 1000 invitations to choose from Fine Stationary also has the UPromise benefit of getting 8% back!

Every dollar spent on samples is one less dollar for other things.

Where to Find: Birnbaum & Bullock Gowns

Birnbaum & Bullock gowns and their other lines- Robert Bullock Brides and The Steven Birnbaum Collection are more vintage designs at a little bit higher price point.

B&B gowns are available exclusively in Minnesota at:
Mestad's- Rochester

Where to Find: Sincerity Bridal

Sincerity Bridal is a more moderately priced gown collection. I'm surprised that more retailers do not carry the gowns.


Shops that carry the Sincerity Bridal collection are:

Jewel's Bridal Boutique- Delano
The Wedding Shoppe- St Paul
Our Shop- Stillwater

Where to Find: Stephen Yearick Gowns

Stephen Yearick is, in my mind, synonymous with pageant gowns. The NY based designer also does wedding gowns.

His gowns can be found at:
The Pageant Shop by Michaels in New Brighton
The Wedding Shoppe in St Paul

Color Scheme... Groom is on board

On Monday, MLK Day, my fiance and I had the whole day to spend together as neither of us had work or school. It was so much fun. We went to the mall of all things- and while we were there we checked out Macy's tie selection. They really do have a great selection of ties. I was trying to show him what I was thinking about doing for bridesmaids dresses and then what to do for the groomsman's ties. I was happy when he liked my idea of charcoal dresses with sashes of different colors from our color palate- he thought it was a fun idea. Yay! We also looked at what tie patterns and colors he liked. It was so much fun and reassuring that he likes the colors we've chosen.

Where to Find: Bellissima Couture

Bellissima Couture is the higher end line from The House of Wu. Cara Mia is also found at this web page but the gowns are password protected. This is definitely a fabulous line- that is modern but classic.

In Minnesota you can find these gowns at:
Satin and Silks Bridal- Byron
The Loft Bridal- Lakeville
Mestad's- Rochester
Mestad's- St Cloud
Our Shop- Stillwater

Where to Find: Dere Kiang

Dere Kiang is an affordable gown line that is a division of the House of Wu.

Jackie J's Formal Wear- Alexandria
Chapel of Lova- Bloomington (Mall of America)
Pearls and Lace- Burnsville
Bridal Center- Plymouth
The Wedding Shoppe- St Paul

Maggie Gowns I'd Love to try! Upcoming trunk shows!

Heartstrings in Hopkins is having a Maggie Sottero trunk show January 15-25 (you get 10% off with your order!). There are two more scheduled for February '10:

The Wedding Shoppe in St Paul is Feb 5-7
The Wedding Chapel in Crystal/ New Hope is Feb 12-14

I love to marinate on what dresses to try- and Maggie has a ton of them! I've tried some but there are so many! Does anyone have a favorite Maggie Dress they would suggest? Dress shopping is so daunting.

Here are some that I would love to try:
April
Dayle
Desirae
Emma
Gwenyth
Hilary
Holly
Rachael
Rosalyn
Tuscany
Aria
Barbara
Caprice
Christy
Fiorella
Greta
Laura
Madison
Melanie
Melissa Bouquet
Meryl
Windsor
Annette
Gatsby
Harlow
Hala
Krystalyn
Monroe
Noreen
Sapphire
Ruby
Winnie
Zinnia
Brinkley
Carla
Cosette
Kym
Marilyn
Sosi
Vivien
Lindon Marie
Viera
Freya
Vogue
Rosemary Leigh


Here are some that I have tried:
Aspen- I'm short- it looked like a tent
Karena- I remember liking this one with the halter top and lace.
Karena Royale - the same as above but strapless- I've tried it on twice- when I went back to try it on I didn't love it as much as the first time
Reese- I like this dress a lot- but I'll have to get to the gym to work on my back.
Brielle- When looking at the magazines this was the "it" dress in my head. When I had the opportunity to try it on though... heavy. SO. HEAVY. Next.
Brielle Marie- Similar to the Brielle, but no pick up skirt, a shorter train made this dress nice and light in comparison. The dangly thing below the waist kind of weirded me out though. Next!
Ireland- another tent. Next!
Whitney- I thought I would like the bow at the waist- it just didn't look right though. I'd like to try on a larger sample size (not a 6!)
Adelaide- It just felt blah. Again- not the one.
Dallas Marie- Did not like the pick ups.
Rhianna Royale- Big flower here, there- big flowers everywhere. I felt splotchy. Maybe cancerous is a better term....or is it?

Where to Find: Forever Yours Bridal Gowns, Maids, Mothers, Flower Girls, Quinceneras, Beaded and Informal Gowns

Forever Yours is a more international gown company than others out there.It's dress line was carried by the shop I worked for once-upon-a-time.


Here's where you can find the Forever Yours line in Minnesota. Lines offered will vary so check the FY website or call the shop to find out if they have what you're looking for.

The Special Event Boutique- Alexandria
St. Germaines Creations- Argyle
Arlene's Bridal- Brainerd
VIP Wedding and Gift- Brainerd
Bridal Elegance by K Elizabeth- Cloquet
Red Magic Bridal- Cloquet
Jewel's Bridal Boutique- Delano
Amoree Bridal is not Affairs by Brittany- Detroit Lakes
Weddings By Deb- Faribault
Barb's Bridal- Hastings
Rush's- Minneapolis
Alan Evan's Bridal- Moorhead
Mrs. B's Bridal- Owatonna
Elgance by Lindee- Perham
Bridal Center- Plymouth
Jenni's Bridal Boutique- Rochester
Monique's Bridal- Roseau
Cynthia's Bridal Emporium- Rush City
Bridal Boutique and Outlet- St Cloud
The Wedding Shoppe- St Paul
The White Rose Bridal and Formal Wear- St Charles
Now and Forever Bridal Gallery- Wadena
Bridal Boutique- Wadena

Where to Find: Jacqueline Exclusive Gowns

Jacqueline Exclusive gowns are considered "Inexpensive" by wedding magazine and planning sites- most range from $500-$1499. I've included the photos of two of my favorites above.

Jacqueline Exclusive gowns can be found at:

Jackie J's Bridal- Alexandria
Wedding's By Tess- Apple Valley
Alan Evan's Bridal- Moorhead
All About Brides- Prior Lake
Mestad's- Rochester
Mestad's- St Cloud

Sottero and Midgley Trunk Show!

Sottero and Midgley will be having a Trunk Show in February 2010.

Here are the details:

FEB 19 - FEB 21
The Wedding Chapel
Minneapolis , MN
(763) 533-4228

Where to Find: Sottero and Midgley

Sottero and Midgley is the higher end line of Maggie Sottero.

The Special Event- Alexandria
Angelique's Bridals- Blaine
The Wedding Chapel- Crystal
Florals to Formals- Plymouth
Jenni's Bridal Boutique- Rochester
The Wedding Shoppe- St Paul
The White Rose Bridal- St Charles
Mestad's- St Cloud

My favorite styles are:
Audrey
Adorae
Billie
Cheryl
Edie
Farrah
Ginger
Judy
Katharine
Kelly
Linda
Sidney
Toni
ASM3249CSO
ASM3265
ASM3249SA
ASM3040

Where to Find: Mia Solano

Mia Solano is available at these MN retailers:

Alan Evans- Moorhead Jackie J's Bridal-Alexandria Fiancee-Brainerd Jessica's Bridal-Grand Rapids Aubony Bridal-Hutchinson Mrs. B's Bridal-Owatonna Jenni's Bridal Boutique- Rochester Dena Marie Bridal & Tux- Roseville Napier Bridal- West St. Paul
Carrie Johnson Bridal- St. Joseph
The Wedding Shoppe- St. Paul
Blossoms & Bridal-Montevideo
Red Magic Bridal-Cloquet The Special Event-Alexandria
Two Hearts Bridal & Prom- Bemidji

Where to Find: Christina Wu

Christina Wu designs are available at very few stores in Minnesota:

Jackie J's Bridal and Formalwear- Alexandria

All About Brides- Prior Lake

Mestad's Bridal- Rochester