Saturday, December 29, 2007

What's a Mom to wear?


Some of the most FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions) at September's Bride are about Mothers of the Bride & Groom and what their apparel should be on the big day. Today's Moms are chic and stylish; they want a gown that makes them feel like that on their son or daughter's wedding day. To help you, at September's Bride, we have two Mother's Gown Specialists; who have been-there-done-that and would love to help other Moms find the perfect ensemble to wear. Kristi and Margie are both available for appointments; just call us at 616-355-1433.

Let me also answer some questions that are frequently asked at our store:

Mom: As the mother, am I supposed to match the wedding party?
SB: No, but you should not clash with them, either. Wear a color that makes you feel pretty and confident.
Mom: Who chooses first, the bride's mother?
SB: Traditionally, the bride's mother chooses her dress first, and then informs the groom's mother of the color and formality of her gown; the groom's mother then chooses something complementary in color and length. Today, however, the lines are blurred with step-moms involved and couples who are from different parts of the country, and sometimes, world. It is still a good idea, however, to allow the bride's mother to set the standard.
Mom: Is black an appropriate color for me to wear?
SB: Yes, black is totally appropriate, especially for a formal, evening wedding. The key is to wear accessories that are more festive than somber. Metallic shoes and handbag would be a great thing to add. A sparkly brooch, chunky pearls, and chandelier earrings, perhaps. For an outdoor, summer wedding, black may look a little out of place, unless it is a black linen sundress. In this case, add a yellow or blush shawl, and you'll do great!

September's Bride...a fresh approach to formal.

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Best Wishes

Congratulations to those of you who found a very special ring under the Christmas tree! If you and your guy got engaged over the holidays, please share by commenting below - we would love to hear your story!

Those of you with 2008 weddings...the calendar is about to turn! We would love to be part of your big day.

The store has been busy the past few days with brides who are home on vacation, bringing in Mom, Sis, friends, and sometimes, Dad, to help choose a bridal gown. What fun we are all having!

September's Bride...a fresh approach to formal.

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Merry Christmas!


Merry Christmas from all of us at September's Bride!

Saturday, December 22, 2007

On the Twelfth Day of Christmas...

...September's Bride has for you...

Twelve fab months in '08
Eleven Days left this year
Ten...ten...ten...and more tens
Nine Tuxes for the Gents
Eight Gowns for Looking
Seven Convenient Hours
Six Weeks for Cleaning
Five Lines to Choose From!
Four Gorgeous Maid's Gowns
Three Flower Girl Dresses
Two Dedicated Consultants
and the Perfect Gown for your Bridal Debut!

We have been open since October, 2007, and been delighted at the response to our store. We have enjoyed working with each bride, Mom, and maid; West Michigan is full of wonderful people with creative plans for upcoming weddings.
Rachel, Bernice, Marjie, and I are looking forward to helping more brides and others in 2008. May God richly bless each of you!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Friday, December 21, 2007

On the Eleventh Day of Christmas...

...September's Bride has for you...

Eleven Days left this year
Ten...ten...ten...and more tens
Nine Tuxes for the Gents
Eight Gowns for Looking
Seven Convenient Hours
Six Weeks for Cleaning
Five Lines to Choose From!
Four Gorgeous Maid's Gowns
Three Flower Girl Dresses
Two Dedicated Consultants
and the Perfect Gown for your Bridal Debut!

Eleven Days until "Bridal Season" begins! I'm going to give you an insider's secret...all bridal vendors are slower than usual during December, when everyone is Christmas shopping! But, in January things really pick up. If you're looking to shop at a slower pace and perhaps snag some deals, come in before the end of the month/year and see how we can help you!

Just a reminder, however; September's Bride will be closed on December 24, 25, & 31 and also on January 1, 2008. We will resume our normal hours on January 2, 2008.

Merry Christmas!

Thursday, December 20, 2007

On the Tenth Day of Christmas...

...September's Bride has for you...

Ten...ten...ten...and more tens
Nine Tuxes for the Gents
Eight Gowns for Looking
Seven Convenient Hours
Six Weeks for Cleaning
Five Lines to Choose From!
Four Gorgeous Maid's Gowns
Three Flower Girl Dresses
Two Dedicated Consultants
and the Perfect Gown for your Bridal Debut!

I'm talking about "Size Ten"; which is nice if you are one, but more difficult if you're larger or smaller.

What am I talking about?

Most sample gowns in our store are size 10. I have ordered a larger variety of sizes for Spring 2008, but brides often wonder why everything is the same size at a bridal store.

The owners of a bridal salon have to purchase each gown that is brought in as a sample; they are not provided free by the designers. So, we try to get the best use of our investment by purchasing sizes that are the most flexible. We find that 50% percent of brides are within a size or two of a sample size 10, so that is often where the investment is put.

If you are frustrated because you are a big or little girl, please ask if we can get a sample in your size. Most designers have loaner programs and, at September's Bride, we will do all we can to find something in your size to try. We want you to be delighted with your shopping experience and with your choice of gown!

Merry Christmas!

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

On the Ninth Day of Christmas...

...September's Bride has for you...

Nine Tuxes for the Gents
Eight Gowns for Looking
Seven Convenient Hours
Six Weeks for Cleaning
Five Lines to Choose From!
Four Gorgeous Maid's Gowns
Three Flower Girl Dresses
Two Dedicated Consultants
and the Perfect Gown for your Bridal Debut!

That's 1 for your groom, 4 for the groomsmen, 1 for the ringbearer, 2 for the Dads, and one for the MC. What a dapper group you'll have!

Our tuxedos are from the popular LOCAL Bunny Tuxedos.

No matter what you're looking for, we have something appropriate. Black, grey, brown, navy...and so many great accessory colors, too. Come in and browse through our catalog.


Merry Christmas!

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

On the Eighth Day of Christmas...

...September's Bride has for you...

Eight Gowns for Looking
Seven Convenient Hours
Six Weeks for Cleaning
Five Lines to Choose From!
Four Gorgeous Maid's Gowns
Three Flower Girl Dresses
Two Dedicated Consultants
and the Perfect Gown for your Bridal Debut!

Eight - the number of bridal gowns usually displayed on dress forms around our store. Come in and see if you can pick a favorite - we can't!

Merry Christmas!

Monday, December 17, 2007

On the Seventh Day of Christmas...

...September's Bride has for you...

Seven Convenient Hours
Six Weeks for Cleaning
Five Lines to Choose From!
Four Gorgeous Maid's Gowns
Three Flower Girl Dresses
Two Dedicated Consultants
and the Perfect Gown for your Bridal Debut!

September's Bride is regularly open seven hours a day on weekdays; and six on Saturdays. The only day that we are closed for business is Sunday. If our hours are not convenient for you, or if you want a guaranteed private shopping experience, please call for a morning or evening appointment; we are happy to work with you so that everything about shopping at our store is delightful and fun.

Merry Christmas!

Saturday, December 15, 2007

News Flash!


I'm so excited that I have to share this news immediately! (Daisy...this is for you!)

Announcing...

Novissima Trunk Show
at
September's Bride
Preview - Open House, February 7, 2008; 6 - 8 pm
Gowns Available for Try-On
February 8, 11am - 6 pm
February 9, 10 am - 4 pm

I will be sharing more details as the event comes closer.

September's Bride...a fresh approach to formal.



On the Sixth Day of Christmas...

...September's Bride has for you...

Six Weeks for Cleaning
Five Lines to Choose From!
Four Gorgeous Maid's Gowns
Three Flower Girl Dresses
Two Dedicated Consultants
and the Perfect Gown for your Bridal Debut!

I'm excited about sharing today's highlighted service with you because it is what introduced me to the bridal business.

Have you thought about what you'll be doing with your gown AFTER the wedding? Of course, right now the TTD trend is fun and popular, and may remain so - there are some great photos out there! Even after you've had the photos and worn the gown a time or two, there will probably be a time when you put it away and return to real life.

We put so much time and care into choosing a gown, then enjoy choosing accessories, having all of the alterations finished, carefully transporting it home and then keeping it safe until the BIG DAY. However, after the wedding, I've seen gowns that were attacked the family pet, because it had been left lying on the floor.

So, let me urge you to carefully consider having your gown preserved by our company, Great Lakes Wedding Gown Specialists.

As a member of the Association of Wedding Gown Specialists, I personally clean each gown and then it is carefully packaged in acid-free materials right at our store. Your gown is handled only by our staff, and you don't have to send it off to "who-knows-where"; keep it right here in West Michigan! And, yes, you CAN open the box, inspect your gown, and show it off safely.

For more information, feel free to visit in person or send me an e-mail. There is also a very good video at the Assocation of Wedding Gown Specialists' website.

Merry Christmas!

Friday, December 14, 2007

On the Fifth day of Christmas...

...September's Bride has for you...

Five Lines to Choose From!
Four Gorgeous Maid's Gowns
Three Flower Girl Dresses
Two Dedicated Consultants
and the Perfect Gown for your Bridal Debut!

Casablanca, Maggie Sottero, Justin Alexander, Novissima, and our signature line, Lila Couture.
It is our goal to have "something for everyone" at our shop.

Be sure to put February 7 on your calendar for our next trunk show, this time from Novissima!

Merry Christmas!

Thursday, December 13, 2007

On the Fourth Day of Christmas...

...September's Bride has for you...


Four Gorgeous Maid's Gowns
Three Flower Girl Dresses
Two Dedicated Consultants
and the Perfect Gown for your Bridal Debut!

The average wedding party has four bridesmaids in it. Maybe it's your sister, your groom's sister, your BF from college and your BF from grade school... Of course, they are delighted for you and happy to be part of your day. In exchange, you want them to look beautiful and feel comfortable and confident.

Choosing the perfect gown(s) for your maids can be stressful. That's why you'll want to visit September's Bride while making your decision. At SB, we've seen lots of girls in lots of gowns and have a good understanding of what works to dress a bevy of bridesmaids. Our stylists can then advise on accessories and shoes to guide your further shopping.

We do love to dress your wedding party. We promise that you and your girls will have FUN shopping with us!

Merry Christmas!

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

On The Third Day of Christmas...

...September's Bride has for you...

Three Flower Girl Dresses
Two Dedicated Consultants
and the Perfect Gown for your Bridal Debut

Aren't they darling? Little girls, looking up at you with adoring eyes, dressed in their own fluffy party dresses? Most weddings have a flower girl or two, or three...

I had two little girls in my wedding. One was dressed as a "miniature bride", in a dress that mimicked my own, and one was dressed to match the bridesmaids, she was the traditional "flower girl", with a basket full of rose petals.

However you choose to outfit your little admirers, you'll find appropriate wear at September's Bride in the Us Angels line. Sizes from 18 months to 14 are available in so many wonderful choices.

Merry Christmas!

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

On The Second Day of Christmas...

...September's Bride has for you...

Two Dedicated Consultants

and the Perfect Gown for your Bridal Debut

The two consultants refer to our Couture Service. This service includes:

1. Delivery of your Gown to the church or ceremony location
2. Your own personalized gown consultant/stylist/attendant to help you and your maids as you dress for the wedding.
3. Our availability for last-minute adjustments, quick repairs, and veil adjustments.

This service gives you peace of mind and a relaxed atmosphere before your wedding and pictures. If someone's hem comes out or needs a quick fix on her gown, we'll be there. We will be sure everyone, including Moms, flower girls, maids, and The Bride looks her best.

We only schedule one wedding a day for Couture Service, so reserve your date right away.

More information at our shop - see you soon!

Merry Christmas

Monday, December 10, 2007

On The First Day of Christmas...

...September's Bride has for you...


The Perfect Gown for your Bridal Debut!

Of course, it wouldn't be a great Bridal Boutique if we couldn't help you find "The Dress"!

On a small budget or tight on time? We have nearly 100 sample-sale gowns in so many styles that are available right off the rack at prices beginning at $59! Find one you like and then let our bridal stylist and seamstress work with you to make it perfect for you.

If you want to order your dress, we have something for everyone! Many price points and options from Casablanca, Maggie Sottero, and Lila Couture abound in our store! If you don't see what you're looking for among our racks, please ask a one of our gown consultants; we really do enjoy helping you in the "the search" for "the dress"!

Merry Christmas!

Great Deal - 20% Off Update

Congratulations to Alex K. & Becky S. who both received a 20% Off Coupon last night in response to yesterday's post!

I received a post from "Preppy Fashionista", too; but no e-mail address. PF, please send me an e-mail address to receive your coupon.

Brides, if you didn't post, respond to THIS post and I'll choose a new winner if I don't hear from PF soon.

Tami
September's Bride...a fresh approach to formal.

Sunday, December 9, 2007

The 12 Days of Christmas


Over the next 12 days, I am going to give you the September's Bride version of "The Twelve Days of Christmas".

Also, I have a VERY BIG offer for the first 3 Brides-to-Be that leave a comment on this post. I will send you an e-mail coupon worth 20% Off the gown of your choice that is purchased from September's Bride before the end of 2007. Here are some details:

1. Sample gowns OR Custom-ordered gowns are both eligible.
2. Gowns must be purchased between December 10 and December 29, 2007.
3. Gowns must be paid in full at the time of purchase/order.
4. Gowns must be from our regular stock or standard gowns from Lila Couture, Casablanca, or Maggie Sottero. Custom changes are allowed, but will be at regular cost. 20% discount will apply only to the listed retail price of the gown.
5. If you don't need a gown, I will extend this offer to veils or Mother's gowns, instead.

Ok, so leave your comment along with your e-mail address!

Also, be sure to check in tomorrow as we begin "The Twelve Days of Christmas".

September's Bride...a fresh approach to formal.

Friday, December 7, 2007

Window Dressing


In our window right now is "Bianca", a beautiful silk organza gown with unbelievable ribbon embroidery. Bianca has a classic strapless neckline and an A-line skirt, with a chapel-length train. Here are a few ways I would suggest acessorizing this gown:

1. Classic. Pearl choker; fingertip-length veil with ribbon edge. Pearl drop earrings. Satin pumps.
2. Modern. Skip the necklace; wear gold bangles on your wrist. Gold hoop earrings. Short veil with gold pencil-edge. Gold sandals.
3. Trendy/Retro. Heirloom necklace. Cage veil with raw edge. Golden ballet slippers.

Come in and try on this fab gown for yourself!

September's Bride...a fresh approach to formal.

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Playing Tag in Blog-land

My wedding planner friend, Aletha, of Pearl's Events, "tagged" me. Which means that I get to list seven random things about myself and then "tag" more blogs. This being a business blog, I'm going to list random things about September's Bride, and than "tag" my personal blog, if you want to get to know me better personally!

1. The store officially opened on October 2, 2007
2. The store unofficially opened on September 29, 2007
3. We are located next to a great little yarn store, Lizzie Ann's Wool Co.
4. We are located across from JP's Coffee Shop - which means alot of our profits go into their cash registers!
5. We donate a portion of our sales to the Lakeshore Pregnancy Center.
6. There are 24 stair steps in the store.
7. Our postman's name is Don. He's the best!

OK, now I'm tagging Tami's Textiles & Notes; SewChic; Life of MEJK; and Amy Johnson.
If I tagged you, this is what you should do:

1. Put a link to my blog on your site.
2. List 7 random things about yourself
3. Tag more blogs (7 is recommended)
4. Leave the blogs you tag a comment that they've been "tagged"

Monday, December 3, 2007

Congratulations, Tony & Michelle!

Our first SB bride, Michelle, was married last Saturday, December 1! No pics yet, but I wanted to officially recognize the couple on our blog.

This Saturday, December 8, we have two brides getting married! Here's wishing wonderful wedding days to both Nicole and Theresa and their respective grooms.

September's Bride...a fresh approach to formal.