Saturday, June 11, 2011

For The Love of Money!

So before you begin planning any of the details for the wedding there is one importantt question that must be asked... who pays for what? Here is the traditonal breakdown of expenses:

Bride:
~ Wedding ring for groom
~ Wedding gift for groom
~ Gifts for bridal attendants
~ Personal stationary for thank you notes
~ Accomodations for out-of-town attendants

Groom:
~ Bride's engagement and wedding rings
~ Wedding gift for bride
~ Gift for best man and ushers
~ Groom's wedding attire
~ Bride's bouquet
~ Mothers' corsages
~ Boutonniers for attendants and father
~ Marriage license
~ Clergyman's fee
~ Honeymoon expenses

Bride and Groom:
~ Gists of appreciation for parents or others who helped with the wedding
~ Expenses of items desired which have exceeded original budget allocations

Looks like the bride got off easy! Now onto the families and attendants...

Bride's Family:
~ Bride's wedding gown and accessories
~ Ceremony cost: venue, music, rentals, etc
~ Reception cost: food, beverage, entertainment, rental items, decor, wedding cake, ...
~ Wedding gift for the couple
~ Wedding invitations, announcements, and mailing costs
~ Bridesmaid's bouquets
~ Transportation for bridal party
~ Bridesmaids' luncheon
~ Photography (groom's parents may chip in)
~ Personal wedding attire
~ Floral decorations

Groom's Family:
~ Rehearsal dinner party
~ Personal wedding attire
~ Travel accomodations for groom's family
~ Wedding gift for the couple
~ Any general expenses they may wish to contribute


The Attendants:
~ Personal wedding attire
~ Any travel expenses
~ Wedding gift for bride and groom
~ Showers given by maid of honor or bridemaids
~ Bachelor party given by best man and ushers

It is typical for the bride to pay for the wedding gift for the groom and for the groom to pay for the honeymoon expenses, for the bride's family to pay for the ceremony and the reception and for the groom's family to pay for the rehearsal dinner, but that isn't to say that that is always how it works. Mix it up if you want!

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Pre-Wedding Jitters

Once the question is popped, every woman, now a bride-to-be (yay!), is in full wedding mode. Stress, nerves, and the jitters are just a part of the experience, but in order to counteract those pre-wedding jitters here are some helpful tips:

~ Take time for yourself by being all by yourself (you are about to spend your life with one person, but you are always number one in your life).
~ Deep breathing can help relax your thoughts and brings oxygen to your brain so you are able to think more clearly.
~ Try not to overanalyze. As women we tend to do this and it can be harmful to our health and relationship.
~ If there are problems with your fiance, then address those problems but first take the time to assess if they are short-term problems or if you believe they are long-term (short-term might not be something you need to bring up unless they persist).
~ Remember the beautiful memories you already have shared with your fiance and imagine the ones you will make together in the future.
~ Think back on the moment you first knew you wanted to spend the rest of your life with your fiance and why you now cant imagine not sharing your life with them.

Keep in mind that pre-wedding jitters are incredibly common and if you are bride who doesn't experience them, then count yourself lucky! Don't worry that something might be wrong with you for questioning the marriage, it is normal to do so especially since marriage is one of the most important commitments you will make. No pressure, though! When you know, you just know.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

'Tis the Ordering Season!

So I realize I have been terrible at posting new articles! I have a wonderful excuse though... things have been absolutely crazy here at the Maggi Bridal! Which is a good thing for me and the boutique, but not so good for my blog! I will try my hardest to not let myself slack anymore.

Since I am somewhat on the topic, I thought I would discuss what things are like in the world of ordering bride's and bridesmaid's dresses since it is the season for doing so! The phone is ringing off the hook, girls are coming in through a constant stream of appoinments, and orders are being placed daily!

What is important to remember is that most every designer requires 10-12 weeks ordering time before the dress will be ready, meaning ready to send out. It is best to plan for that or else you may have to pay a rush fee to get it to you in time for the wedding. I always suggest trying to get the dress in a month before the wedding so that you have enough time for alterations, which often take 2 weeks, and so that you and the bride don't have to stress that it's cutting it too close to the wedding.

Regardless of the dress, bride or bridesmaid, or the detail or silhouette, or really even the designer, it will take the standard 10-12 weeks, unless rushed of course. But who wants to pay extra?! So with all that in mind ordering the dress 3-4 months before the wedding is best. Hope this helps ladies!

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Budget, Budget, Budget!!!

No one likes to talk budgets, but we all looove to spend money! After you have the ring on your finger (or around your neck like Carrie Bradshaw) you gotta talk budgets!

Before you book anything, the veune, the cake, the flowers, make sure you and your fiance have discussed the budget for your wedding. If the two of you are in disagreement over anything, then take time to get things just right. Also make sure to consult anyone else involved in convering costs for the wedding. The budget is incredibly important so don't leave out any detail, however small.

Devise a maximum amount you are willing and able to spend. The willing part is never the hard part because of course we would be willing to spend pretty much whatever on making our wedding perfect. It's the able part that makes things difficult. You don't want to go into major debt over one day, granted it will be the most important day of your life, but even so it is only one day!

If anyone tells you to skimp on the wedding dress, then they obviously don't see the importance of the dress. Pictures capture the way you look in the dress, but nothing can capture the way you feel in the dress so make sure it is the one and only! If the dress is $2500, then take that money out of the budget and buy the dress!

There are plenty of lower budget options for those on a tighter budget. You can find beautiful selections from Alfred Angelo at amazing prices that will be within any bride's budget! If you are interested in any of Alfred Angelo's styles then book an appointment with Maggi Bridal today!

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Start Dreaming Early!

I don't have too much time today to write anything terribly in depth, but I thought I would pass on a bit of advice to all you future brides!

I started reading bridal magazines at age twelve and soon became addicted (as I said in my last post). It wasn't only my love of bridal gowns that drew me to the glossy pages, it was all the beautiful details that go along with the wedding. I loved looking at the newest flower combinations, the crazy cakes that bakers were coming up with, and the most beautiful locations for the venues! I loved imagining every detail of my wedding and even got my girlfriends together to plan out their's with bridal magazines spread around our feet looking for the perfect details to make our weddings perfect!

So, to all you future brides out there (which is pretty much each and everyone of us), it's never too early to start dreaming of your wedding day! Go to your local grocery store or Barnes and Noble and pick up a stack of bridal magazines and get started planning out the details (maybe even invite your girlfriends over and make a night of it)! That way when that special somone proposes to you, you will know just how you want your wedding to be!

Monday, April 4, 2011

Spring Into Summer Brides!

I am quite addicted to magazines and on Mondays when things are slow I get the chance to read up on the latest issues of Brides, The Knot, and various other publications. I was breezing through last months issue of Metro Syle, a local publication, and found this article, Bridal Trousseau:Vibrant Spring Options, very interesting considering it was all about wedding gowns.

The article said some things I really loved especially that "your wedding gown announces the look of your wedding." I too believe that it is the bride's wedding gown that sets the tone of the wedding and of course, being in the business that I am, it is my thought that the wedding gown is the most important element of the wedding. It should reflect the bride's personality and capture the essence of the wedding. At this time of year brides have their pick of an array of feminine dresses that will compliment any spring and summer bride.

This spring/summer season has brought delightful new trends making the gowns even more lovely than the seasons before. Lots of florals! Flowers adorn the dresses in appliques and rosettes and floral patterns are seen in jaquards and even in color, another trend taking off this season. Light and airy fabrics such as chiffon, cotton sateen, and organza are what's hot, or rather not. For those weddings set in April, May, and leading all through the summer months, it is best to stay away from the heavy satins, which can be unforgiving in the heat.

So spring into summer brides and come see what this season has for you!

Pictured is a Jim Hjelm Blush bridal gown Maggi Bridal will be getting in this summer.

Saturday, April 2, 2011

The Do's and Don'ts...

Fridays and Saturdays are usually terribly hectic here at Maggi Bridal so I rarely have a moment to myself let alone time to blog, but I will do my best. I want to make up for not posting anything yesterday.

Now might be the perfect time, and fitting considering the day I've had, to share some tips concerning bridal and bridesmaid appointments.

Do:
  • Make an appointment~ It is best and always appreciated to call ahead and schedule an appointment. This way you know you will be getting the best service and the bridal consultant will know some basic information about you such as your name, the wedding date, and the style(s) you are interested in trying on. For many bridal boutiques an appointment is required. Some will take walk-ins, but others will not. It is most important to make an appointment on Fridays and Saturdays since those are the busiest days.
  • Come prepared~ As a bride, coming to the appointment with an idea in mind of what you are envisioning for your dress is always helpful. Bringing along pictures from magazines or the internet of the dresses that caught your eye is even more so! It gives the bridal consultants a clear picture of what you love and what you absolutely do not. Have an open mind~ You might really surpirse yourself with what you fall in love with. Try not to rule out a dress just by looking at it on the hanger. Dresses look very different on the hanger than they do on a bride. The bride makes a dress the dress. When you find the dress you will just know because you will feel like a bride.
  • Be detailed~ It really helps the bridal consultant to hear the details about your wedding, such as color theme, venue, and overall feel of the wedding and to get to know you and your personality. Those details can make a difference gown selection and might help you better select your dress. If the bridal consultant isn't taking the time to get to know you then she might not be the right consultant for you. This is too special a day to rush any of the details.

Don't:
  • Forget to call~ If you can't make an appointment it is courteous to call and inform the bridal boutique that you won't be able to come at that time. If you would like to rescedule for a more convenient time, then you can do so at that time. I have been "stood up" by brides and bridesmaids and it never is easy. If a bridal consultant plans to have you there, setting aside time for you, it is polite to let them know that they can leave that appointment time open for someone else. The same if you are running late. It is best to call to let them know.
  • Get overwhelmed~ If you are a bride, it is important to stay focused, but you shouldn't feel pressured to make a decision. This is your wedding and the dress you choose needs to be your dress, the one and only. It is a big decision, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. Trying on dresses and selecting your dress should be a wonderful experience and hopefully the bridal consultant you work with is understanding, kind, and fun to work with!
  • Come with preconceived notions~ It's best not to judge a bridal boutqiue until you have experienced it yourself. Asking other brides for their opinion and reading ratings online can be helpful, but your opinion matters most to you.When you go to a big bridal store there is going to be a much larger selection of dresses to choose from, but more often than not the service they provide is not as personal. Smaller bridal boutiques do have less of a selection of dresses in stock, but offer more exclusive customer service where they can devote their time and attention on one bride.  Each bride is unique so find an establishment that fits you!
I am a manager at Maggi Bridal, a small, but quaint bridal boutique in Raleigh, NC, and through my experiences these are some of the things I have come across and thought I'd share with you. Hope they were helpful!