Tuesday, July 22, 2008

It isn't as difficult as it seems

The other day I saw a commercial for an underwear commercial that caught my eye. No, it didn't have Michael Jordan marketing shorts but it was about a wedding. See why I took a second look? The bride was in a white tee shirt and had flowers and a veil. The brides maids were in pastel warm ups.

Is this for real? Would brides really get married in sweats? As a retailer and a wholesaler for more than a quarter century I study the trends and believe that indeed, there is a section of the bridal population that would actually do that. Especially if she has had multiple weddings.

I believe that a life time, get one shot to do it occasion right deserves a little more effort. Dressing you and your attendants need not be over whelming. I have included a few ideas below.

  • Do a little research before you start.
  • Browse bridal magazines and the Internet
  • Bring pictures of what you like to show your consultant
  • Select a bridal shop based on how you are treated and your priorities such as style and
  • price.
  • Let the store bridal consultant show you styles and keep an open mind.
  • If your consultant is listening to you and truly professional you should find
  • your dream dress in just a few try ons.
  • Have your consultant make suggestions for appropriate bridesmaid dresses.

By utilizing the experience and expertise and buying from a brick and mortar bridal shop you will save money, time and will make your wedding day memories more joyful.

Saturday, December 15, 2007

What do you wish Wedding Gown Designers to know

The wedding business is a changing industry. Up until about 30 years ago all gowns worn by U.S. brides were manufactured domestically. Then, the migration toward Asian production until approximately 95% of all wedding gowns are made in China or another Asian country.

An imported product used to mean "cheap crap" but I have learned that crap is made when crap is ordered or accepted. I also know that if a quality product is demanded and continuously required, a quality product will be delivered.

There has been a lot of mis information propagated by opportunists posing as caring informants. My goal is to help both consumers and bridal retailers cut through all the self promoting wolves and call it what it is.

Over the past several months I have subscribed to a so called educator of brides who's mission it is to convince naive consumers that full service bridal salons are out to over charge and get rich on the backs of un thinking customers.

While I can't speak for every single bridal store in the world, I can say that there is a value and service offered by bridal shops on varying levels and hope to help brides and their families come to know when to buy from a full service bridal store and when it is ok to purchase elsewhere.

I have also watched many of the blogs out there in which individuals can post about anything they want, novices giving each other advice like they have a masters degree in weddings, and knowing that some brides will trust "sunshine lips" from Florida whom she has never met, more than she will trust a 25 year veteran of bridal and weddings because another self proclaimed online expert, also someone she has never met is spewing contempt for the very individuals most brides would do well to consider her new best friend for the duration of her engagement.

We welcome your questions, comments and concerns. If I can't answer your questions I'll find somebody who can. All I ask is that you don't use derogatory language towards any individual or business and Never, Never post the names of the business that you need help with. I will try to give you ideas as to how you can work it out. I am not a lawyer. I am a third generation bridal designer, retailer, wholesale manufacturer and importer or wedding gowns and formal wear. Maybe, once you understand the process you won't feel so inclined to forgo all of the wonderful assistance and information awaiting you at your local full service bridal shop.

I hope to hear from you soon.

Consumers and retailers alike are welcome on this chat.

Merry Christmas,

Lynette
Bridal Designer