Can you guess what the colors are this season....

...PINK...PINK...PINK oh, I suppose there is a little purple still in the mix. I have to admit, I am not really a pink person but the new shades that are surfacing are beautiful! I love the hues that are being used. Enjoy the link to Christian Dior's collection from The Paris Couture Show! I think they are a design marvel.

http://fashiongonerogue.com/2010/01/paris-haute-couture-christian-dior-spring-2010-couture/

What are your favorite wedding colors? And which Dior gown is your favorite??

I've just been asked to be a bridesmaid...what does that mean?

Weddings are so much fun! All the friends, parties and dresses. You have just been asked to be a Maid/Matron of Honor or a Bridesmaid. What does that mean and what are some things I need to make sure I understand BEFORE I say yes?

Each bride and each wedding requires a different level of participation from the bridal party. A more formal wedding will require more participation and typically more money, a less formal wedding will require less. A good bride communicates to the bridal party what her needs are. To help you be the best bridesmaid you can here are a few things that are typical responsibilities.

~Help the bride/groom with pre-wedding tasks
Scouting the location
Addressing envelopes
Making favors

~Make your own travel and lodging plans for any wedding event you are attending

~Pay for your dress, shoes, and accessories
This includes any shipping, alterations or steaming

~Plan, attend, and help host the bridal shower

~Provide the bride with levity and comfort durring the planning
Think of yourself as comic relief or a buffer if things get sticky

~Attend ALL pre-wedding parties and events

~Help plan and attend the bachelorette party

~Atend the rehearsal

~Purchase bridal shower and wedding gifts

~Arrive on time at the designated place the day of the wedding
It's actually better to be a bit early than to be late

~Attend and often the bridesmaids pay for all pre-wedding beauty prep

~Pose for pictures before and after the wedding

~Be ready to depart on time for the ceremony

~Stand in line as part of the wedding ceremony, and the receiving line after the ceremony has ended.

~Play hostess at he cocktail hour and during the reception
Encourage guests to mingle and dance

~Be AVAILABLE
The day of the event you may be asked to do everything from running to the house to ensure the iron has been turned off to making a shopping trip to replace a broken toasting goblet

~Help with the post party clean-up
Including returning rental items if necessary

There are so many resources from books to internet posts. But always feel free to talk with us. Though we are not wedding planners we are happy to help in anyway we can!

Photo courtesy and copyright of: Jordan Fashions

Arm yourself with answers!

Congratulations on your engagement! This is such an exciting time; so many wonderful things to plan. While shopping for your gown can be overwhelming with so many choices and decisions to make here are a few questions we ask every bride and why we ask them.

~ Where will your event be held?

Where your event will be held helps determine the type of gown you will want for your special day. If you are getting married on the beach you probably would love to see yourself in a soft chiffon or organza fabric with simple detail and possibly no train. However, if you are getting married in an amazing church you probably would love a gown that is adorned with beautiful detail a more luxurious fabric with an amazing train.

~What time of year will your wedding be held?

This often determines the type of fabrics you want to look for in your wedding gown. If your wedding is going to be in the hot summer months you will want to consider lighter more breathable fabrics such as Organza, Taffeta or Chiffon. Whereas if your is in the cooler months you might consider a heavier fabric like a satin.

~How many attendants and guests will be in your wedding?

This helps guide us to the type of wedding you are planning, a smaller more intimate affair or a larger more formal event. This will also help determine the formality.

~What time of day is your event?

This really tells us what the formality of your wedding will be. Typically a morning wedding will be a more casual event, maybe a suit a tea or knee length gown. A wedding between 2:00pm and 4:00pm is considered an informal event, maybe a floor length with no train or a chapel train. After 4:00pm is considered a formal event. How formal is up to you, black tie which is considered formal or white tie which is ultra-formal. I would say it depends more upon your venue.

~What is the budget for your gown?

The last thing a good bridal salon wants to do is put you in a $2,000 gown if your budget is $800. A seasoned bridal consultant wants to find the gown that works best for you. We do not ask that question so we can spend as much of your money as possible this is asked simply so we may be respectful of your wishes.

For many brides wedding gown shopping is something they have been dreaming of for quite some time. At Downtown Gowns & Formalwear it is our desire that you have a marvelous experience and to assist you in planning the wedding of your dreams. Call and make your appointment today!

Where oh where do I start?

I'm engaged...now what?

With so many exciting things happening all the sudden brides often feel overwhelmed. Everyone has thoughts and ideas on how you should plan and what you should do for you big day. Here are a few tips to help ease the pressure of shopping for your wedding gown...


Do...

...make and appointment. You want to give yourself approximatly an hour and a half for your appointment. You and your consultant will want plenty of time to get to know each other before she starts pulling wedding gowns for you. After all you want the gown to be a refection of you and the life you are preparing to build.

...wear the proper undergarments. Wearing a strapless bra will really allow you to see the full scope of the gown without the distraction of rainbow colored straps hanging on your shoulders. Proper underwear allows the gown to hang properly. If you plan on wearing a girdle the day of your event you might want to consider wearing one while trying gowns on.

...brng a pair of shoes the approximately the height you will wear the day of your wedding. If we need to take a hollow to hem measurement it will help ensure your gown will be the proper length.

...have a few ideas of the style of gown you might be interested in. There are five types of gowns. Within those gowns are thousands of designs. Before shopping for your gown take a few moments to consider your body type and talk to your consultant about which will compliment your figure the best.

...be open minded. Gowns on a hanger are not showing off your best assets! The best thing you can do is trust your consultant and try it on. If you don't like it we can just take it right off your list.

Here are some things we recommend keeping in mind before heading out for that first shopping trip. Don't...

...bring too many people. Each person has their own opinion and style. You want to make sure the people you invite to join you on your day will be there to support you and help you make a decision that best refects you.

...wear perfume or tinted tanning lotions. Gowns on the showroom floors are for sale. We work really hard to ensure all our gowns are in outstanding condition. We appreciate your help in this effort.

...children can be a distraction. You are preparing for the day you have been dreaming of. This is a special time to reflect on who you want to be as a bride. When children attend they are easily bored and the adventure becomes frustrating for all. Typically your bridal appointment will be about an hour and half. Treat yourself to a baby sitter so you may enjoy your time.

We hope this helps prepare you for your first appointment! Your a star in our eyes and we look forward to working with you. Remember...

Life's an occasion...
dress for it!

Welcome!
Congratulations! Whether you are planning a wedding, going to prom or winter ball, or just have a special occasion we are excited to help you make your event unique and amazing.

We specialize in dressing for life's occasions! Ladies, we carry the latest fashions in bridal, prom, special occasion, mothers, and flower girl gowns. Men, we offer designer tuxedos and suits in a variety of styles that will best compliment you. It is our hope you would not only choose Downtown Gowns and Formal Wear but you would recommend us to all your friends and family.

Life is an occasion...
Dress for it!