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!
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Find your dream wedding dress (without being a bridezilla)
I found this article while surfing the net....enjoy!
Find Your Dream Wedding Dress
... Without Being a Bridezilla
There has never been a more glorious range of choice in wedding dresses than you'll find today. You're certain to find a dress that makes you feel and look fabulous! Here are some tips for a good experience when shopping for your dress.
Shopping for Your Wedding Dress
Shop Early
Think ahead and shop well in advance. Most designers require four to six months to produce a gown so you should be shopping at least nine months in advance. Some brides purchase their gowns as much as 18 months before the big day. Shopping early will give you the most choices.
You'll often get the widest range of choices at an independent bridal salon that can do special orders from designers with distinctive styles, rather than the mass market chain stores.
Appointments
Find out if you should make an appointment with the store where you intend to look at wedding dresses. Many bridal salons prefer to have brides make appointments, and some require it. Find out ahead of time. If you make an appointment but need to cancel, let the store know in plenty of time. If you are not considerate enough to cancel an appointment properly, you are not enough of a grownup to be getting married.
Try-On Fees
Find out if the store charges a service fee for trying on dresses. DressFinder is seeing a growing trend for bridal stores to charge a consulting fee which is credited to the price when you order your dress. This is a sensible approach when you consider the store's costs for providing services. You just want to know what to expect.
No Committees, Please
Go shopping by yourself, or with one or two trusted friends at most. This is YOUR decision, and you need to be able to listen to your own instincts about what dress makes you feel great. It's easier to hear what your heart says if you don't have a crowd with you.
Get a Babysitter
If you or the friends who shop with you have children, arrange for a sitter. This needs to be stressed: a bridal store is NO place for kids. While the adults are looking at dresses, a curious or bored child can cause hundreds of dollars in damages, or even get hurt. If you want to shop for a flower girl dress, arrange a dedicated outing to focus on that, and make your flower girl feel like a princess for the day.
Designer Names
Don't be too dazzled by a big designer name. You can expect top quality from a top designer, but judge the dress, not the label. Your mission is to find the dress that will take the groom's breath away and make him say a prayer of thanks as he sees you come down the aisle. The right dress will make your friends and family think, 'What a beautiful woman!' first, and 'What a beautiful dress!' sometime later.
Grooming
Before you go dress shopping, make sure you're freshly bathed and scrubbed, and wear pretty undies (no thongs, puhleez!). If your undies are too skimpy you might not be allowed to try on dresses. Wear little or no makeup. That protects the gowns, and it also lets you see more accurately which colors will be most flattering to your true skin tones. Avoid hairspray or perfume, and don't apply hand or body lotion unless it will have at least an hour to be absorbed. It's even more important to avoid tanning solutions. They can ruin a gown if the color smears. Wear small button or stud earrings, or even none, and certainly not big dangly ones that could snag. Simple pearl earrings would be ideal. Leave food or drink outside the store.
Shoes
Wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off. Many bridal stores ask customers to remove their street shoes at the entrance, to help protect delicate fabrics and long skirts from picking up dirt.
Most salons will not have you wear shoes while you are trying on the gowns. You will usually be standing on a platform or stool as wedding gowns are cut long. Unless you are 5'9" in your bare feet you will need a hem or you will need to request that your gown be made to the exact length to accommodate your height and shoes (this is called a hollow to hem measurement). The only time you would wear shoes is if you are being measured for a custom length. Most brides will have a seamstress hem their gowns and at this point you'll need to have the shoes you'll be wearing on your wedding day.
DressFinder strongly recommends that for your wedding shoes you stick with medium or low heels, or even wedding flip flops for the reception. You'll be on your feet a lot on your wedding day, and aching feet can ruin your smile!
Stick to Your Price Range
Decide on your budget before you go anywhere near a bridal store, and resist the temptation to try on more expensive samples 'just for fun.' Falling in love with a dress that's out of your price range will either break your budget or break your heart. Try on dresses within the price range that's realistic for you.
Bridal Store Staff
The bridal store staff will wait on you more closely than you're used to when shopping for other clothes. It's their job to help you find the dress of your dreams; it's also their responsibility to be protective about the store's expensive, delicate merchandise. So don't feel crowded if a staff member comes right into the dressing room to assist you. Enjoy the attention!
Comparing
If you end up comparing dresses from different places, make sure you have a clear understanding of what services will or won't be included in your purchase price. Consider all related costs so you're comparing true totals. A price that looks higher might in fact be very competitive by the time you add up all related costs.
Commitment: Final Sale
Be sure you understand that when you order your wedding dress it is a final sale (bridesmaid dresses too). Buying a wedding dress is not like buying a mass-market T-shirt that you can return if you change your mind. Take that seriously, but don't let it scare you. If you can commit to a man, you can commit to a dress!
Guarantees and Service
Be aware that many designers will only guarantee their gowns if they are purchased through an authorized full-service bridal store. There are too many fakes in circulation for them to take any other approach.
Something else to remember is this: the majority of local bridal stores are independently owned, and each store's first responsibility is to their own customers. Do not purchase your dress from one place then expect another store to serve you if you need help with it. The store you purchase your dress from is the one that should look after you.
Karma
If you're thinking of buying your dress from some discount service, 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. Remember the Golden Rule.
Alterations
Wedding and formal dresses are more closely fitted than ordinary garments. Dresses are made to standard sizes (which can vary from one designer to the next), so unless you're having a couture dress designed especially for you (and paying couture prices!), expect the fit of your dress to be close but not exact when it arrives. It's normal that your wedding dress will need to be altered to achieve the perfect fit for your unique contours. (Bridesmaid dresses, too.)
Allow for alterations in both your budgeting and your time planning. Some bridal stores handle alterations in-store; others will refer you to independent services. Altering a bridal gown is skilled and delicate work, and the seamstress is one of your most important partners. Note that it's the complexity of the alterations that will determine the price, not the amount that a seam has to be taken in. Whether the seamstress takes it in a half inch or three inches the price will be the same.
Be aware that many manufacturers charge extra for larger sizes in certain styles. Be sure to ask about that so you know all costs to expect.
BE REALISTIC ABOUT SIZE. If you have major diet or exercise plans DressFinder.com suggests that you buy your wedding gown at your largest size. All gowns can be made smaller, but the opposite (called releasing the gown) is more difficult, more expensive, and rarely looks perfect. Sometimes, it's not even possible to make the gown bigger as there's just not enough fabric to work with. With all the stress of planning a wedding, weight loss plans often fall short of the goal. You don't need the added stress of a dress that is too small and can't be made to fit.
Even if your weight stays steady, your contours can change because of your activity levels, or even just the time of the month. Try to be measured for your final fitting at the same time in your cycle that your wedding day will fall. That can head off surprises.
Avoid the biggest fitting problem of all: don't get pregant until after the wedding!
Plan B
Have a backup plan for your wedding dress. The majority of dresses arrive on time and in good condition, but supply lines stretch around the world, and things can go wrong with special orders even from famous designers. With a full service bridal salon you'll have an experienced team on your side to solve problems.
Enjoy Your Choice!
Once you've decided which dress is THE ONE, stop looking at other dresses and don't try to second-guess yourself! Have faith in your own judgement, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from having one of your most special decisions looked after.
Smile! You look gorgeous!
-- Article by Elisabeth Archambault; Copyright Elisabeth Archambault, and DressFinder.com 2007
Find Your Dream Wedding Dress
... Without Being a Bridezilla
There has never been a more glorious range of choice in wedding dresses than you'll find today. You're certain to find a dress that makes you feel and look fabulous! Here are some tips for a good experience when shopping for your dress.
Shopping for Your Wedding Dress
Shop Early
Think ahead and shop well in advance. Most designers require four to six months to produce a gown so you should be shopping at least nine months in advance. Some brides purchase their gowns as much as 18 months before the big day. Shopping early will give you the most choices.
You'll often get the widest range of choices at an independent bridal salon that can do special orders from designers with distinctive styles, rather than the mass market chain stores.
Appointments
Find out if you should make an appointment with the store where you intend to look at wedding dresses. Many bridal salons prefer to have brides make appointments, and some require it. Find out ahead of time. If you make an appointment but need to cancel, let the store know in plenty of time. If you are not considerate enough to cancel an appointment properly, you are not enough of a grownup to be getting married.
Try-On Fees
Find out if the store charges a service fee for trying on dresses. DressFinder is seeing a growing trend for bridal stores to charge a consulting fee which is credited to the price when you order your dress. This is a sensible approach when you consider the store's costs for providing services. You just want to know what to expect.
No Committees, Please
Go shopping by yourself, or with one or two trusted friends at most. This is YOUR decision, and you need to be able to listen to your own instincts about what dress makes you feel great. It's easier to hear what your heart says if you don't have a crowd with you.
Get a Babysitter
If you or the friends who shop with you have children, arrange for a sitter. This needs to be stressed: a bridal store is NO place for kids. While the adults are looking at dresses, a curious or bored child can cause hundreds of dollars in damages, or even get hurt. If you want to shop for a flower girl dress, arrange a dedicated outing to focus on that, and make your flower girl feel like a princess for the day.
Designer Names
Don't be too dazzled by a big designer name. You can expect top quality from a top designer, but judge the dress, not the label. Your mission is to find the dress that will take the groom's breath away and make him say a prayer of thanks as he sees you come down the aisle. The right dress will make your friends and family think, 'What a beautiful woman!' first, and 'What a beautiful dress!' sometime later.
Grooming
Before you go dress shopping, make sure you're freshly bathed and scrubbed, and wear pretty undies (no thongs, puhleez!). If your undies are too skimpy you might not be allowed to try on dresses. Wear little or no makeup. That protects the gowns, and it also lets you see more accurately which colors will be most flattering to your true skin tones. Avoid hairspray or perfume, and don't apply hand or body lotion unless it will have at least an hour to be absorbed. It's even more important to avoid tanning solutions. They can ruin a gown if the color smears. Wear small button or stud earrings, or even none, and certainly not big dangly ones that could snag. Simple pearl earrings would be ideal. Leave food or drink outside the store.
Shoes
Wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off. Many bridal stores ask customers to remove their street shoes at the entrance, to help protect delicate fabrics and long skirts from picking up dirt.
Most salons will not have you wear shoes while you are trying on the gowns. You will usually be standing on a platform or stool as wedding gowns are cut long. Unless you are 5'9" in your bare feet you will need a hem or you will need to request that your gown be made to the exact length to accommodate your height and shoes (this is called a hollow to hem measurement). The only time you would wear shoes is if you are being measured for a custom length. Most brides will have a seamstress hem their gowns and at this point you'll need to have the shoes you'll be wearing on your wedding day.
DressFinder strongly recommends that for your wedding shoes you stick with medium or low heels, or even wedding flip flops for the reception. You'll be on your feet a lot on your wedding day, and aching feet can ruin your smile!
Stick to Your Price Range
Decide on your budget before you go anywhere near a bridal store, and resist the temptation to try on more expensive samples 'just for fun.' Falling in love with a dress that's out of your price range will either break your budget or break your heart. Try on dresses within the price range that's realistic for you.
Bridal Store Staff
The bridal store staff will wait on you more closely than you're used to when shopping for other clothes. It's their job to help you find the dress of your dreams; it's also their responsibility to be protective about the store's expensive, delicate merchandise. So don't feel crowded if a staff member comes right into the dressing room to assist you. Enjoy the attention!
Comparing
If you end up comparing dresses from different places, make sure you have a clear understanding of what services will or won't be included in your purchase price. Consider all related costs so you're comparing true totals. A price that looks higher might in fact be very competitive by the time you add up all related costs.
Commitment: Final Sale
Be sure you understand that when you order your wedding dress it is a final sale (bridesmaid dresses too). Buying a wedding dress is not like buying a mass-market T-shirt that you can return if you change your mind. Take that seriously, but don't let it scare you. If you can commit to a man, you can commit to a dress!
Guarantees and Service
Be aware that many designers will only guarantee their gowns if they are purchased through an authorized full-service bridal store. There are too many fakes in circulation for them to take any other approach.
Something else to remember is this: the majority of local bridal stores are independently owned, and each store's first responsibility is to their own customers. Do not purchase your dress from one place then expect another store to serve you if you need help with it. The store you purchase your dress from is the one that should look after you.
Karma
If you're thinking of buying your dress from some discount service, 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. Remember the Golden Rule.
Alterations
Wedding and formal dresses are more closely fitted than ordinary garments. Dresses are made to standard sizes (which can vary from one designer to the next), so unless you're having a couture dress designed especially for you (and paying couture prices!), expect the fit of your dress to be close but not exact when it arrives. It's normal that your wedding dress will need to be altered to achieve the perfect fit for your unique contours. (Bridesmaid dresses, too.)
Allow for alterations in both your budgeting and your time planning. Some bridal stores handle alterations in-store; others will refer you to independent services. Altering a bridal gown is skilled and delicate work, and the seamstress is one of your most important partners. Note that it's the complexity of the alterations that will determine the price, not the amount that a seam has to be taken in. Whether the seamstress takes it in a half inch or three inches the price will be the same.
Be aware that many manufacturers charge extra for larger sizes in certain styles. Be sure to ask about that so you know all costs to expect.
BE REALISTIC ABOUT SIZE. If you have major diet or exercise plans DressFinder.com suggests that you buy your wedding gown at your largest size. All gowns can be made smaller, but the opposite (called releasing the gown) is more difficult, more expensive, and rarely looks perfect. Sometimes, it's not even possible to make the gown bigger as there's just not enough fabric to work with. With all the stress of planning a wedding, weight loss plans often fall short of the goal. You don't need the added stress of a dress that is too small and can't be made to fit.
Even if your weight stays steady, your contours can change because of your activity levels, or even just the time of the month. Try to be measured for your final fitting at the same time in your cycle that your wedding day will fall. That can head off surprises.
Avoid the biggest fitting problem of all: don't get pregant until after the wedding!
Plan B
Have a backup plan for your wedding dress. The majority of dresses arrive on time and in good condition, but supply lines stretch around the world, and things can go wrong with special orders even from famous designers. With a full service bridal salon you'll have an experienced team on your side to solve problems.
Enjoy Your Choice!
Once you've decided which dress is THE ONE, stop looking at other dresses and don't try to second-guess yourself! Have faith in your own judgement, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from having one of your most special decisions looked after.
Smile! You look gorgeous!
-- Article by Elisabeth Archambault; Copyright Elisabeth Archambault, and DressFinder.com 2007
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