Bridal Notes

By Kathy

I  would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who participated in our Bridal column which appeared in the Times Leader Sunday Editions.  These are just a  few of the questions we received over  the past few months.

Q.  Most of the mother's dresses I've seen are designed for the older mother, do you carry Mother of the Bride gowns that are young and trendy?

A.  Kathy's Bridals specializes in Bridal and Bridesmaids gowns only but we are part of an exciting new concept....  "The Wedding Center".  This consists of our store, Sarno & Sons Tuxedos and GaBree's Boutique.  GaBree's Boutique  specializes in Mother's gowns, Flower girls and fashions for that oh so special After Five Affair.  Their mother's dresses range from the traditional to the young and carefree styles that today's mother is looking for.  Whether short or long, brightly colored or pastel, Gabree's has the style and price range for you.  So for one stop shopping, start with Kathy's Bridal for your wedding gown and maids ensembles, then continue to Sarno & Sons for the latest in menswear fashions and finish off your shopping leisurely checking out the the mother's fashions at GaBree's, all conveniently located in the Gateway Shopping Center, Edwardsville. 

Rebecca from Berwick asked:

Q.  My fiancee and I are getting married in December 2011.  When should I start looking for a wedding gown and dresses for my attendants?

A. We suggest that you start looking at least a year before your planned wedding date.  Each designer has a different delivery time depending on what you desire such as a hollow to hem or extra length as an example.  The average designer's manufacturers take from 4 to 6 months to complete your gown.  This will ensure us enough time to complete your initial and final fitting well before your wedding date.  You should order your bridesmaids  dresses as soon as you find a style that you and your attendants love.  This ensures you that the dress is current and not on the approaching discontinued list.  Companies are constantly adding and deleting bridesmaids styles and you want to be sure that you are locked in before this happens.  It is important to have all your girls order at the same time to maintain the dye lot and color accuracy.

Gwen from Plymouth Township asked:

Q.  I've been to a few bridal shops and a national  bridal franchise and frankly I'm disappointed in the fashions.  The bridal gowns all look a like.  Do you have anything different to offer?

A. The staff at Kathy's Bridal pride ourselves on being up-to-the-minute and fashion forward when it comes to helping you choose the right gown for your special day.  We are very excited to introduce Justin Alexander and the Anais Collezioni to our bridal collection.  These beautifully designed gowns are sophisticated, elegant and traditional.  We are also getting ready to go to Atlanta to view new designers.  At Kathy's Bridal we like to offer every bride her style...for her moment.

Bobbi from Wilkes-Barre asked:

Q.  My church won't let us throw rice after the ceremony, can you tell me what can I use as a substitute?

A.  The throwing of rice started as a tradition meaning the bride's pantry would always be plentiful.  In the early 19th century in England, a handful of gold coins was thrown to the crowd by the groom to prove his ability to provide for his new wife.  You can see how traditions have changed.  Today's bride is an eco-friendly bride.  The current trend has taken a turn toward gentle activities such as the releasing of white doves which for years has denoted a peaceful start to the couple's union.  Lately, butterflies have taken over the number one popularity spot.  You can also make little tulle bags of birdseed decorated with the colors of your bridal party to distribute to each guest as they leave the church following the ceremony.  As always, be sure to check with your church to make sure they approve of your choice. 

Donna from Shavertown asked:

Q.  I have just been  invited to a very formal engagement party at our local country club for a college friend of mine.  Is a gift required?

A.  An engagement party need not be a gift-giving occasion but sometimes family or close friends may surprise the bride with a special household or trousseau item.  If this is what you would like to do, the gift should not be over $50.00.  In Victorian England, the gifts a young bride-to-be received from an engagement party were placed in her hope chest to complete her collection of items which she started saving as a young girl.  Sometimes the question of a gift is answered right on the invitation suggesting that no gift is required, just your presence to share in the happy celebration.  Hope this has helped you.

Eve from Scranton asks:

Q.  I have been invited to a Bridal Luncheon.  Can you tell what this entails and is a gift necessary?

A.  Traditionally, the Bridal Luncheon is a small get-together hosted by the bride for her attendants, possibly her mother and a few close friends.  It usually takes place a day or two before the wedding.  No gift is necessary because this is when the bride presents her gifts to the bridesmaids.  It can take many forms such as a light lunch followed by a trip for manicures and pedicures or a day at the local spa.  So relax and enjoy your day with the bride-to-be.

Annette from Forty Fort asks:

Q.  No one has offered to give me a shower and my wedding is fast approaching?  Can I organize my own shower?

A.  Most showers are a surprise so perhaps one is already in the works for you.  Under no circumstances should a bride throw her own shower.  She may however drop a hint to the mother, mother-in-law to be and her attendants.  I'm sure they would be more than happy to participate and host the shower for you. 

Suzanne from Wilkes-Barre asks:

Q.  My best  girlfriend is getting married and she wants me to be her maid of honor.  I really can't afford an expensive dress right now.  What should I do?

A.  It's an honor to be asked to stand up for your best friend and she would be hurt if you turned her down.  The best way to handle this is to be honest with her and let her know just how much you are willing to spend.  We, at Kathy's Bridal have maids dresses that start at $120 and all you need is half down to place the order.  The rest can be paid in installments until the dress is in.  With the economy today, most brides do understand about budget constraints.

Janet from Old Forge asked:

Q.  I was to be in my best friend's wedding and unfortunately it was canceled.  Do I still have to pay for a bridesmaids dress I will never wear?

A.  This is a very good question and all bridal shops usually follow the same policy.  Since the dress is a distinct style, color and size and was a special order for your specific bride, you are responsible for the cost of the dress whether or not the wedding takes place.  The manufacturer expects payment before the garment is made and it is not fair to expect any bridal shop to have to find someone to purchase a dress that is made to your brides specifications to get their money back.  We do suggest that you may  be able to sell it yourself on the internet.

Barbara from Exeter asked:

Q.  My daughter's wedding is in 4 months.  When should I start looking for a mothers dress?

A.  By all means, start asap.  Your daughter's wedding is a very special occasion and you want to look your very best.  We suggest you start looking as early as 6 months before the wedding because some designers can take 3 months to complete your order.  We, at Kathy's Bridal, highly recommend  you visit Gabree's Boutique in the Gateway Shipping Center, Edwardsville.  They have beautiful mothers dresses in both traditional and contemporary styles.  Gabree's is always on the cutting edge of the latest fashions the designers have to offer.

Cheryl from Hanover asked:

Q.  My maids dresses recently came in and when they went to try them on, all except one of my girls had to have alterations done.  Is this normal?

A.  Excellent question Cheryl and it's one we have to answer over and over again.  Designers have their own specific size charts and we try to fit the girl as close as we can to their correct size.  Unfortunately, it rarely works out perfectly.  Since most maids gowns are form fitting, the three measurements  for bust, waist and hips are very important.  Sometimes one of the measurements such as hips will put a girl in a larger size.  This means that when the dress arrives some alterations are needed in the bust and waist.  And if a girl is 5'6" or under, she will need a hem.  We prefer it if the dresses fit perfectly and each girl could just walk out of the store without having to come back for alterations and fittings but unfortunately most gowns need some adjustments.  I hope this has answered your question.

Jess from Hazleton asked:

Q.  What are the current trends in bridal headpieces and veils?

A.  Veils and headpieces have varied through the years and we at Kathy's Bridal pride ourselves at staying on the cutting edge of the latest fashions.  As always, Tiaras remain a bridal favorite but lately we have noticed a trend toward delicate feather arrangements and short cage veils.  The length of a bride's veil can depend a lot on the style of  gown she chooses.  Whether it be fingertip with a blusher or a cathedral length veil, we are more than happy to help you find the ideal look for you.

Terry from Wyoming asked:

Q.  Why is a bridal appointment necessary?

A.  Choosing a bridal gown is your most important decision and we feel that you deserve to be pampered.  We like to take the time with you to find out what style bride you wish to be.  Whether your taste is Contemporary or Traditional, our experienced sales staff can help you make a selection from one of our many designers.  Remember, your bridal gown sets the tone for your wedding.  Our goal is to make your visit here as stress free  and as enjoyable as possible and ultimately to match you with your ideal "Dream Dress".  Make a bridal appointment today and experience being pampered at Kathy's Bridal.

Barb from Mountaintop asked:

Q.  As a follow-up to last weeks question, who do you recommend the bride brings to a bridal appointment?

A.  Our Bridal Room is set up for three additional people.  We usually suggest your mother, grandmother, sister and possibly your future mother in law.  (For as much as we love children, we have found that a bridal shop is not their favorite place and they tend to lose interest and become restless).  Today, most brides like to keep their gown as a surprise for the day of their wedding.  We have found from past experiences when you bring too many people with you, their style overwhelms you and your style may get lost along the way.  This could result in your not choosing the dress of your dreams but what others think you should be wearing.  Remember, it's your style...your moment !

Bella from Pittston asked:

Q.  Can you help me, I bought my dress on-line after visiting 5 shops and it doesn't look at all like the dress I tried on.  What can I do?

A.  As my Mom used to say...."Buyer Beware:.  If it looks too good to be true, there is bound to be something wrong.  When you take the chance of buying on-line, not only don't you get the personal touch, you don't get an alteration or pressing service and sometimes the gown is a cheaper copy of the designer's original style.  We have even heard of instances where the beading is glued  on instead of being hand-sewn.  Unfortunately,  most internet sales are final and a bride has no recourse but to wear a gown she doesn't want or have the added expense of searching for a new one.

Grace from Forty Fort asked:

Q.  I recently drove past your Bridal store and I noticed there is a prom store next to it.  Can I find an appropriate dress there for a second wedding?

A.  Prom Excitement is our sister store and our gowns are geared toward Semi-formals, Homecomings, Sweet Sixteen Parties, Bat Mitzvahs, Balls and Proms.  We recommend our Bridal store for weddings but extend an invitation to anyone who wishes to stop by and check out our diverse designs.

Sarah from Harvey's Lake asked:

Q.  What should I look for in a bridal shop before I purchase my gown there?

A.  Great question Sarah and my answer  would be to look for Quality as in the type of designers of Bridal and Maids that shop carries.  Second would be Experience as in how long have they been in business.  Finally what Services do they offer such as Alterations and Pressing  the finished garment.  Remember, Quality, Experience and Service add up to make your Bridal shopping trip a memorable and pleasurable one.

Mary from Sugar Notch asked:

Q.  Are Bridal Fashion Shows helpful in giving ideas when planning your wedding?

A.  Bridal shows are indeed helpful.  You can see the latest in not only Bridal and Maids fashions but exciting  innovations in Floral design, Cake Decorating, Tuxedo styles and much much more.  When you go, be sure to check out each vendor's display table for great ideas and offers. Kathy's Bridal will be featured at a Fashion show on January 9th at the Scranton Cultural Center and at Genetti's Bridal show which will be held on  February 20th in Wilkes-Barre.  We hope to see you there.