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A Raleigh Wedding Planner Spotlight: Gilded Bridal

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Feature photo by Live View Studios. Knots ‘N Such is a Raleigh wedding planner.

 

Wedding dress shopping is quite possibly the most important, and most difficult, part of your wedding planning process. So, just how does the average bride find the dress of her dreams? I recently met with Susan, owner of Gilded Bridal, to answer this and other dress shopping questions!

 

About Gilded Bridal

Gilded Bridal is the hottest new bridal boutique in Raleigh, but Susan is no rookie! She’s been dressing her friends and family for their weddings and has always stayed current on the latest wedding fashions! Gilded Bridal’s key difference is that they work directly with small, independent designers to bring you uniquely stunning gowns! Aside from their connections, GB has a track record of maintaining a fun, relaxed, and accepting atmosphere where every bride can feel special! As Susan says, “Wear what makes you feel like you,” and we couldn’t agree more!

 

Photo by Live View Studios

 

Basics of Dress Shopping

I asked Susan if there was anything in specific that brides should know going into their appointment. She advises that brides always buy for their current size, because dresses can easily be taken in, but they are more difficult to let out! Susan also suggests dress shopping sooner, rather than later, as it may take up to 6 months for your dress to come in!

This can be a very stressful time for a bride, but for expert dressers like Susan, the more detail you give her about what your dream dress looks like, the easier it is for her to find it for you! As a Gilded Bridal bride myself, I simply told her what I was looking for and the first dress she brought me was my dream dress!

 

Photo by Live View Studios

Dress Trends

When it comes to trends in the wedding dress business, Susan knows it all! However, while things like colored dresses, including hand painted watercolors, are big for bridal fashion at the moment, the Raleigh bride has other looks in mind.

  • Keeping traditional, Susan’s brides tend to stick to white dresses, but of course classic colors like cool grays or light blushes are always acceptable!
  • Fitted dresses that show off a bride’s beautiful figure are still in, including mermaid, trumpet, and anything in between!
  • Plunging necklines are a dramatic way to capture an audience’s (and your groom’s) attention!
  • Decorative backs (or no backs at all) on wedding dresses have proven that they aren’t going anywhere anytime soon!
  • Sleeves on wedding dresses have been making a beautifully boho statement that Raleigh brides can’t seem to get enough of!
  • Capes have been very popular as of late, and are especially lovely for Fall or Winter weddings!

 

Photo by Live View Studios

 

If you are still looking for your dream dress, say yes to dress shopping at Gilded Bridal! With their expertise, network of designers, and fun atmosphere, you’re sure to find “the one”!

 

Happy hunting!

 

XO,

Ivana

PBD Coordinator

 

Don’t Fear the Sleeves!–Tips from a Raleigh Wedding Planner

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Poppy Belle Design is a Raleigh wedding planner & florist. Feature photo by Heather Payne Photography.

Raleigh Wedding Planner & Florist

Heather Payne Photography

Pumpkin spice is back on the menu, folks, and I’m itching to pull on my jeans and flannel, sit back on the coach with a nice cup of apple cider and watch some football.

Or coordinate a wedding every weekend from now until the end of time—but who’s complaining?

As we (hopefully) head into fall, we’re starting to see the absolutely gorgeous autumn decor come out in full swing. Colorful leaves, pine cones, cinnamon, pumpkin and its bevy of squash cousins—this time of year opens up so many gorgeous opportunities!

But autumn doesn’t just bring interesting options for centerpieces and bouquets. Your wedding dress can join the party, too.

Raleigh Wedding Planner & Florist

Heather Payne Photography

Long-sleeve gowns have become quite trendy over the past few years, and they’re back again this fall. Adding that extra bit of fabric gives that much more opportunity to strut your style—and let the wedding designer flout hers. Sleeves tend to bring a sophistication to your whole ambiance, and they definitely make a fashion statement.

There’s something a bit more traditional about long-sleeve gowns, to be sure, and they can take on a more formal vibe. But conservative is no longer the only style offered here.

Sleeves also fit the free spirit, the modern bride, the glamour seeker. I’ve seen some deliciously bohemian gowns with absolutely gorgeous lace or even drapes of fabric flowing down the arms. I’ve noted some striking dresses using beads or stitching to create designs like chevron.

Raleigh Wedding Planner & Florist

Heather Payne Photography

These gowns fit the whole array of bridal personalities and styles, and they’re gorgeous to boot. Of course long sleeves fit with the fall or winter ambiance, but they add a lot more to your look than just an extra layer.

Not sure if long sleeves are for you? Need help narrowing down your wedding gown choice? Give us a call at Knots ‘N Such, and we’d be happy to give you some tips on how to choose your dress for the big day.

How to Find the Dress–Tips from a Raleigh Wedding Planner

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Poppy Belle Design is a Raleigh wedding planner & florist. Feature photo by Amber Hatley Photography.

Raleigh Wedding Planner & Florist

Jocelyn & Ryan Photography

Said yes to the dress yet?

The show, the hype, the general culture worshipping wedding dresses has turned picking your gown almost into another proposal—albeit one between you and you.

Start early

Remember it takes several months to deliver the dress, so begin shopping six to nine months ahead of your wedding date. Also, remember most boutiques require an appointment, so call them ahead of time.

Ask your man (or woman)

You may not want your fiancé to see your dress before the big day; you may not care. But remember you’re wearing that gown for him, too. So ask if he has an opinion. Would he prefer strapless or not? Lace or not? What kind of dress does he like on you the best? You might wind up not being able to cater to his requests, but it’s not a bad idea to keep it in mind while you’re looking.

Raleigh Wedding Planner & Florist

Jocelyn & Ryan Photography

Don’t go alone

Bring friends (and moms, if you’re brave enough). You’re going to want some other opinions—yes, even opposing ones. Truth be told, you may be a little star struck seeing yourself in these gorgeous gowns. Bring some trusted side kicks who you know will give honest yet sugar coated tips. That being said, don’t feel like you have to invite the whole guest list. One or two people will work just fine.

Bring a camera

In-person advice is great, but you’ll want to be able to look back at the different dresses, especially if you go to more than one boutique or if you’re deciding between one or five.

Bring accessories

Wear whatever you plan to have on underneath your dress on your wedding day with you to the store. You’ll want to make sure it doesn’t leave a crease or show in a way you don’t want. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to bring any jewelry or other accents with you, as well, if you have them already. Will your necklace work with the neckline? Will the earrings catch in any lace?

Raleigh Wedding Planner & Florist

Mabyn Ludke Photography

Mix it up

Try on lots of different styles (even ones you might think look a little silly on the rack). You never know what might look good on you—and you might just be surprised. Don’t limit yourself on the number of dresses you try on, but also don’t feel like you have to try on everything in the store. Just don’t be afraid to branch out a little.

Keep an open mind

Going along with the above, I’ve heard so so so many times brides tell me that they went into dress shopping thinking they wanted one thing and hated another and wound up leaving with the latter—because it best flattered their body type.

Don’t go above your budget

Don’t even go there. Put that dress back. If you know you can’t afford it, don’t even try it on—at least not until after you’ve already put in your order. After you’ve paid and that gown is on its way, if you want to go back to some fancy boutique just for kicks and giggles, go right ahead. But whatever you do, DON’T open yourself to any sort of temptation.

Raleigh Wedding Planner & Florist

Mikhail Glabets Photography

Remember you have to actually wear it

Many, many gowns are absolutely gorgeous. Some can be a bit impractical, depending on your style, personality and the event itself. If it’s going to be 90 degrees and humid at an outdoor venue, don’t pick the heaviest gown with layers and layers of lace—especially under the armpits where it might chafe in hot weather. If you have a hard time keeping strapless tops up through the course of an evening, maybe go for something with sleeves. That row of buttons all the way down the back looks beautiful, but someone has to snap them all up! Maybe go for the gown that has the fake ones.

Think about the photos

Remember that the top of the gown will probably show up more often in pictures, so if the back or the hem is the only thing you really love, you may want to take a second look. Also while something might be all the rage right now, also keep in mind you’ll look at these snapshots for the rest of your life.

Move around

When you try on the dress, an attendant will stand you on a small podium and pin the dress up around you. Don’t just stand, stare at yourself in the mirror and dream. Walk around, sit down, maybe even break out a dance move or two. You’re not going to be still on your wedding day, so make sure your gown can move the way you want to.

Raleigh Wedding Planner & Florist

Lauren V. Allen Photography

Don’t worry about size

At the store, all the dresses will be ginormous, and they’ll use large clips to tighten it to fit you. Don’t let that worry you! Also wedding gowns tend to run small, so focus on how the dress fits you not on the number on the tag. The employees will help you decide on a size, and you can have it further altered to fit you like a glove. Everyone in this business works to make you look as gorgeous as humanly possible—trust them to do their job.

Enjoy yourself

Grab a glass of champagne, turn on some classic romance music and relax. You’re only going to do this once in your life. Even if trying on clothes or wearing dresses isn’t your thing, try to have a little fun with it.

Raleigh Wedding Planner & Florist

Bellamanda Photography

It’s just a dress

At the end of the day, remember this is something you’re going to where for one day—and that will probably be it. Don’t feel awful or slighted if you don’t get a mushy, weepy sensation when you find the one. This is an important part of your wedding day, but it is just one aspect, after all.

 

Not sure where to start or need some help with your search? Give us a call at Knots ‘N Such, and we can help you get started!