If there is one thing that sticks out in my mind as the one thing brides can be easily disappointed by, it's falling in love with gowns that are outside their price range.
How do you avoid this?
First- when you're calling to make your appointments, ask the stores what their price range is. Don't worry, we're all happy to tell you. :)
Second- if you're looking for a specific designer...like Pnina Tornai, for example, it doesn't make much sense to make an appointment at D*vid's Bridal. Likewise, if you're looking for something in a budget price range, it doesn't make much sense to waste your time shopping at the most expensive boutiques.
Our gowns run on average between $1100-$5500. That's not to say that there aren't selections under $1000, and some over $5500. We have a little bit of everything! If you have any questions, you're always welcome to call us :) 503-241-7470
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Friday, March 26, 2010
Inventory Reduction Sale!
April 10-11th- Doors open at 9am
What exactly is an "inventory reduction sale", you ask? Easy. I bought too many gowns! Instead of moving to a bigger building (which we did in 08!), we're reducing our inventory by putting everything on sale for one weekend only.
It's easy- we mark them down, brides line up outside.....they rush in....and the frenzy begins! Think of it like a "Running of the Brides" sale, like the ones they do at the Filene's stores. All of our gowns are new and undamaged, so you are going to get some excellent deals :)
Remember- the samples are what's on clearance. Of course, you can order your size/color at regular price though.
Since dressing room space may be at a premium, I would suggest wearing a ballet leotard or something similar, so you can just throw the dresses right over them without undressing. (Sounds extreme, yeah....but for up to 75% off, it's worth it).
Remember to bring whoever you trust to help you decide if you find "the one", because our clearance sales are "Cash and Carry"- meaning that there are no "holds" or "layaways". That means if you find "the one", you'll get to take it home with you right then and there!
See you there!
What exactly is an "inventory reduction sale", you ask? Easy. I bought too many gowns! Instead of moving to a bigger building (which we did in 08!), we're reducing our inventory by putting everything on sale for one weekend only.
It's easy- we mark them down, brides line up outside.....they rush in....and the frenzy begins! Think of it like a "Running of the Brides" sale, like the ones they do at the Filene's stores. All of our gowns are new and undamaged, so you are going to get some excellent deals :)
Remember- the samples are what's on clearance. Of course, you can order your size/color at regular price though.
Since dressing room space may be at a premium, I would suggest wearing a ballet leotard or something similar, so you can just throw the dresses right over them without undressing. (Sounds extreme, yeah....but for up to 75% off, it's worth it).
Remember to bring whoever you trust to help you decide if you find "the one", because our clearance sales are "Cash and Carry"- meaning that there are no "holds" or "layaways". That means if you find "the one", you'll get to take it home with you right then and there!
See you there!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Dress Shopping Tips
Tis the season for wedding dress shopping! Here are just a few things to remember to make the process easier for everyone:
1. Start Early! Bridal gowns can take up to 6 months to order, so plan accordingly.
2. Don't rule anything out-I have to say that at least 70% of brides end up buying a style they never thought they'd love. Be open, and try on everything!
3. Wear nice undies- Most stores will team you up with a dressing room attendant, and/or a style consultant. They will see you in your undies.....fully coverage panties (ie girl-shorts) are preferred :)
4. Know the rules, and respect them-- Most stores do not allow food or drinks, if in doubt ask. And this is a biggie....Cameras are not allowed at many fine bridal stores. Resist the temptation to sneak photos in the fitting rooms, or while "pretending" to text. It's rude, and at many stores, it may end in you being asked to leave.
5. Remember the Golden Rule- (Quoted from an article by Elisabeth A)-If you're thinking of buying your dress from some discount service, (online, a local discounter...), be sure you understand the risks, and don't waste the time of the real bridal stores in your shopping process. If you or your bridesmaids use a real bridal store to try on dresses, then leave and order the same dress from someone else whose no-service price is cheaper, you are not being a clever shopper, you are being a parasite. Your wedding dress is the last place you want bad karma from abusing someone's services.
1. Start Early! Bridal gowns can take up to 6 months to order, so plan accordingly.
2. Don't rule anything out-I have to say that at least 70% of brides end up buying a style they never thought they'd love. Be open, and try on everything!
3. Wear nice undies- Most stores will team you up with a dressing room attendant, and/or a style consultant. They will see you in your undies.....fully coverage panties (ie girl-shorts) are preferred :)
4. Know the rules, and respect them-- Most stores do not allow food or drinks, if in doubt ask. And this is a biggie....Cameras are not allowed at many fine bridal stores. Resist the temptation to sneak photos in the fitting rooms, or while "pretending" to text. It's rude, and at many stores, it may end in you being asked to leave.
5. Remember the Golden Rule- (Quoted from an article by Elisabeth A)-If you're thinking of buying your dress from some discount service, (online, a local discounter...), be sure you understand the risks, and don't waste the time of the real bridal stores in your shopping process. If you or your bridesmaids use a real bridal store to try on dresses, then leave and order the same dress from someone else whose no-service price is cheaper, you are not being a clever shopper, you are being a parasite. Your wedding dress is the last place you want bad karma from abusing someone's services.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
This week's new arrivals...........
There are a ton of new arrivals this week! For starters, there are four gorgeous new Carolyne Satuer gowns. They're exclusives, so we can't show photos (darn it!). Suffice it to say, though, that these gowns will knock your socks off!
Next up is the Robin Jillian "Fantasia" in white. We have it already in Ivory, so those of you that have been waiting to see it in white, this is your chance! The ivory sample is a size 10, and the white one is a size 16. Of course, you can order any size you'd like.
And last, but not least.....we received 20, yes TWENTY new Pronovias gowns today. They are all over the board as far as styles, colors, sizes, and prices, so you're sure to find something lovely! We are expecting another 20 or so Pronovias by the first of next week, so that's alot of dresses to choose from! (Where on Earth are we going to put these gowns?!)......
NEEDING ROOM FOR NEW GOWNS = ONE GINORMOUS SAMPLE SALE!
We're planning a "Running of the Brides" style blowout sale at the end of the summer. This event will be huge! Of course, I'll keep you posted as to dates and iventory availability :)
That's all for now! Happy hunting, ladies!
Next up is the Robin Jillian "Fantasia" in white. We have it already in Ivory, so those of you that have been waiting to see it in white, this is your chance! The ivory sample is a size 10, and the white one is a size 16. Of course, you can order any size you'd like.
And last, but not least.....we received 20, yes TWENTY new Pronovias gowns today. They are all over the board as far as styles, colors, sizes, and prices, so you're sure to find something lovely! We are expecting another 20 or so Pronovias by the first of next week, so that's alot of dresses to choose from! (Where on Earth are we going to put these gowns?!)......
NEEDING ROOM FOR NEW GOWNS = ONE GINORMOUS SAMPLE SALE!
We're planning a "Running of the Brides" style blowout sale at the end of the summer. This event will be huge! Of course, I'll keep you posted as to dates and iventory availability :)
That's all for now! Happy hunting, ladies!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
MARTINA LIANA TRUNK SHOW MARCH 12-14
Dear Bride to Be,
You’re invited to attend a Preview Event of the Essense of Australia and Martina Liana new bridal gown collections. The gowns are available to view one weekend only in your area. You will be the First to See, First to Choose and First to Wear these captivating gowns. To celebrate this event Essense of Australia design representative, Pamela, will be in attendance to assist you in selecting your dream gown. Special purchasing incentives will apply for this preview event, so please bring someone with you whose opinion you strongly value. Space is limited, so please book your appointment now.
Where: The Silver Lining
315 SW 4th Ave
Portland, OR 97204
When: March 12-13
For questions and to book your appointment call or email : (503)241-7470 or info@silverliningcouture.com
To view the complete collections please visit:
www.essensedesigns.com and www.martinaliana.com
Saturday, March 6, 2010
"But I found it so much cheaper online!"
Reason #1 that most bridal salons do not allow photos of their gowns:
CHEAP INTERNET KNOCK-OFFS. Take a look at the doozy above. On the left is the REAL La Sposa "Frutal" gown, on the right, a cheap chinese knockoff of it. First of all, the real La Sposa does not have cheap lace glued to cheap tulle. The genuine article has it's pattern directly embroidered onto delicate English net. The lining is soft and forms to the body- the cheap knockoff is lined in stiff satin. The difference between the two is like night and day.
The worst part? This horrid knockoff sold for $990.00. The real La Sposa is only $1600. The "deals" you're finding online are not deals at all! Sure, they use the designer's copyrighted photos....but that does not mean that you're getting the real designer gown. If you order online, I can virtually guarantee that you'll regret doing so. How do I know? Because I've had literally dozens of brides replacing gowns they bought online. NONE of them were happy with the gown they received (if they received one at all- some didn't).
One way to avoid the "I found it cheaper online" trap is to stay within your budget. If your budget is $1000, it makes no sense to try on dresses that cost $5000. There are hundreds (thousands!) of choices in every price range. Falling in love with something way out of budget is what usually leads brides to the internet knockoff sites. As you can see from the photos above, it's clearly not a good idea!
Happy Shopping!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)