What is the DASH?  The DASH is a bi-annual bridal dress clearance sale designed to afford brides the opportunity to purchase a wedding gown at tremendous savings. The inventory consists of wedding gowns that have been discontinued by the manufacturer for one reason or another. Sometimes it’s to make room for new trends in the marketplace, and other times production of the gown may be cost prohibitive, or there was just a general lack of sales. In any case, there is only one piece of a gown in a particular color, style, and size which limits its ability to be sold, thus the reduced price on the gown. 

Original Drawings by Catie Stricker-Howell (Catie the Sketch Lady)

The KEY to remember: If you plan ahead, you’ll stress less!

BRIDAL

The majority of bridal gowns will take at least 4 months to come in after your order is placed IF there are no changes made to the gown (i.e. petite version, 3” or 5” shorter or longer, hollow to hem, and other custom changes). If there will be custom changes you may have to wait at least 6 months before your dress arrives. With that in mind, ideally you should start looking for your gown about 1 year in advance. You need to allow time for alterations, and depending on where you purchase your gown, you could be waiting quite a few months.

Original Drawings by Catie Stricker-Howell (Catie the Sketch Lady)

How do I create the perfect look for my wedding?

The perfect look always starts with the bride’s gown and the bridesmaids’ dresses, as they help determine the color of the tuxedos and the accessories. Venue and time of year also play a large role in what your guys will be wearing. At an outdoor venue during the warmer seasons, lighter colors always look cool, but don’t forget about navy and charcoal. Both colors are very neutral and with the new “superfine” fabrics available, they are just as practical as lighter colors such as sand and silver gray.

 Original Drawings by Catie Stricker-Howell (Catie the Sketch Lady)

“I can’t wear a ball gown. I’m too petite!” 

Actually, a ball gown is very flattering on a petite girl. Once the dress is hemmed, a petite figure can own this silhouette. If the dress still seems overwhelming, some of the crinoline lining the skirt can be removed to cut down on the volume. With ball gowns, it’s more about proportion than body type; and they are actually flattering on most body shapes. Ball gowns accentuate the bust and the waist of most figures while hiding what could be larger hips that may be out of proportion with a woman’s upper half. Some think that the full skirt makes them look hippy, while, in actuality, it hides larger hips. Sometimes a dropped waist on a ball gown will dispel this thought because it accents a beautiful figure while still hiding the lower hips. This special occasion may be the only time you get to wear a ball gown and be a “Princess”, so don’t rule this style out.

Every bride has an image of what her wedding day will be and how it will look. The bride’s dress really sets a tone for the rest of the wedding party and for the decorations. Once you have asked people to be in your wedding party and they have accepted, it is important to allow yourself and your party sufficient time to find the dress (or dresses) for your special day. The color of their dresses should be determined by the bride, whether it is one particular color or shades of a color.

If you choose to have a ring bearer in your party, make sure that he is a willing participant. Oftentimes he is too young or emotionally not ready to handle all the festivities without a break down. Also, not all children are meant to be flower girls or ring bearers. If the child is adamantly resistant to the idea, or is exceedingly shy, it may be best to find a substitute that will enjoy the whole process.

Romance and weddings have always gone hand in hand, and today’s brides are no exception. The way we translate that romance, however, into gown shopping has changed. Soft lace and modest cuts have replaced the glitzy bodices and full ball gown skirts. Fabrics are lighter and some designs more architectural in appearance. Straps and sleeves are requested at the onset of the search for the perfect gown.

If you are having a difficult time finding a dress with everything you want, consider working with a company like Casablanca or Jasmine that will do “custom” work on their wedding gowns. Some of the changes that can be made are neckline changes, length of train, addition or deletion of embroidery and/or beading, adding sleeves of various fabrics and lengths, etc. Your consultant will be happy to assist you in this process.