David’s Bridal

By Melissa Galli, David’s Bridal Accessories Buyer

Now that you’ve found that gorgeous gown for your walk down the aisle, it’s time to select the perfect accessories! After deciding on your dazzling jewelry and coordinating hair accessories, consider dyeable shoes and handbags as a chic and affordable way to complete your picture-perfect look. Not only will they complement your dream dress, but after the big day, you can transform these accessories with your favorite color to enjoy for future special occasions. Here are some styles “to dye for:”

Step It Up

David’s Bridal offers a gorgeous array of comfortable and affordable shoes that can be dyed to perfectly match your dress. Whether you are looking for closed toe coverage, peep toe pumps or sexy sandals, we carry an impressive array of fashion forward styles in stores and online. Our goal is to make it easy and fun for you to find the perfect match!

Finishing Clutches

When dressing for your wedding, it’s important to remember a sleek handbag to hold all of your essentials. Whether you prefer a clutch, wristlet or handle bag, most of our versatile styles come with a convenient shoulder strap and won’t break the bank!

Make the Most of Your Investment

Once you’ve said “I do,” simply visit your closest David’s Bridal store and choose from approximately 100 colors to dye your shoes and handbags. From rich Apple red or golden Saffron to classic Silver or Black, dyeing will turn your accessories into closet staples you’ll wear again and again for a variety of occasions. It’s also a fabulous way to carry a memento from your wedding long into the future. The hardest part may be deciding what color you like the best!

View Dyeable Shoes & More Options
View Dyeable Handbags & More Options

By Liz Cascio, David’s Bridal Social Occasion Dress Buyer

Now that you’ve decided on a gown and your bridal party dresses, it’s time to get Mom outfitted. Here are some helpful tips to finding a flattering ensemble that will make her look and feel special.

Moms come in all shapes and sizes, with a variety of fashion senses too. That’s why David’s Bridal offers a wide range of options from classic to fashion forward, short to long, and simple one-piece dresses to gorgeous two-piece jacket ensembles. Our Mothers & Special Guest Collection is designed to complement our bridal party and gown assortment so your wedding photos will look fabulous. The stylish designs are also created with comfort in mind, perfect for destination weddings or dancing the night away.

Venues or even the season of your wedding can dictate the type of dress your Mom wears. For an outdoor or summer wedding, a short dress is appropriate. This sleeveless dress with bead detail is very flattering on a variety of figures.

Or she might opt for a little more coverage like this silver jacquard short jacket and dress.

For more formal weddings, your Mom might consider a longer dress. This modern style is a definite show stopper with its cap sleeve bolero and embellishment details.

No matter what dress your Mother selects, she is sure to feel very special standing next to you on your big day. And don’t forget it’s a special day for your groom’s Mom too. A fun and easy way to bond with your future Mother-in-law is to invite her dress shopping! Good luck and happy shopping.

View all Mother & Special Guest Dresses

By Molly Stiles, David’s Bridal Social Occasion Dress Merchandiser (DMM)

All eyes were on Hollywood’s favorite starlets as they walked the red carpet at the 2009 Primetime Emmy Awards. Even though they all couldn’t take home a prized statuette, many picked up nods for their award-winning fashion statements. If you want to make an unforgettable entrance at any event, we can help you achieve that chic, celebrity look for less. You’ll be surprised just how easy and affordable it is to find a style with all the glamour of the red carpet!

Dazzling Necklines

Take a cue from Christina Applegate, January Jones and Leighton Meister and opt for a dress with an interesting neckline. With so many new shapes and updated classics, it’s easier than ever to select a style that is figure-flattering and complements your personality. Choose from traditional sweetheart or off-the-shoulder looks, or look-at-me styles ranging from elegantly embellished Y-necks to plunging V-necks. David’s Bridal special occasion collection offers a variety of fashion-forward designs that will get you noticed.

Lady in Red

Blake Lively and Hayden Panettiere turned heads in their ravishing red gowns. This bold jewel tone works well for almost all skin types and is a great go-to color when you want a change from a little black dress. With an amazing array of crimson-hued gowns from short and playful to long and sleek, our elegant collection ensures you will look picture-perfect in the silhouette that suits you best.

Wowing One-Shoulders

Looking to stand out in style? Debra Messing, Mary Louise Parker and Chloe Sevigny did just that in striking one shoulder dresses. Channel your inner Greek goddess and show off your fashion savvy in a sophisticated long or short one shoulder stunner. Our eye-catching designs will help you reveal your true Hollywood glamour without blowing your budget.

When it comes to shopping for that next special occasion, get ready to unleash your inner-celebrity and make the “best dressed” list with our on-trend looks!

Tips on How to Create a Bridal Style That’s All Your Own
By Dawn Mohr, Director of Product Development for David’s Bridal

Today’s weddings offer so many ways to personalize your look that even the most decisive brides can start to feel overwhelmed. With so many choices and so many voices (friends, family members, consultants), the finishing touches can take on as much importance as the dress itself. Remember, this is your day. It’s a time to express your sense of style and create the look that’s right for you. We’re here to make sure the shopping process is fun and easy.

If you’re like most brides, you want to make your look your own, but also ensure the overall styling will look great in your wedding photos for years to come. Here are some tips to finding the right accessories for your big day:

• Veils, Veils, Veils: Make sure to choose a veil that complements your dress and makes you feel comfortable. Whether you’re walking down the aisle or saying “I do” in the open air of an outdoor venue, a long cathedral veil creates a dramatic vision and looks beautiful with almost any style. Once the ceremony and photo session are over, change into a shorter veil, so you can relax and move freely at your reception. The biggest thing to remember when selecting a veil is to allow enough time to try on different styles with your gown. David’s carries many different lengths, embellishment details and even silhouettes - big volume, small volume, and heavily beaded or simple perfect ribbon edges. There are almost as many options as gowns, so time should be spent exploring what look will be perfect for you!

• Heavenly Hair Accessories: Veils are only one element of great hair accessories options. You can change your overall look by what you choose to wear in your hair. Tiaras are a very elegant and a classic choice, while headbands can be worn in a more sophisticated and modern way. Heavily embellished combs or pins create a glamorous look, while flowers and feathers look soft and romantic.

• Fanciful Footwear: Shoes are the finishing touch. Don’t make the mistake of thinking they’re “out of sight, out of mind” because even if your gown is floor length, your shoes will playfully peek out as you walk and sit. There is also a big trend in shorter or tea length gowns, which makes your shoe choice very important. David’s has a great selection of shoes - from sweet ballet flats to highly embellished platform heels. Whatever the heel height or toe shape you’re looking for, we offer a diverse assortment of styles to choose from in silk or dyeable satins. Dyeing your shoes to match your bridal party dresses, or any color you wish is a fun new trend for brides. This is a great way to add “something blue” to your wedding day style as well.

• Show-Stopping Jewelry: It’s easy to make a statement with your jewelry! Bold jewels can instantly transform a basic gown into a red carpet stunner. Classic looks are always in style and vintage-inspired jewelry is at the fashion forefront this season, sometimes with a new twist. Almost all gowns can be complemented with a classic strand of pearls. To create a more dramatic look, layer multiple strands together. Oversized stones add great style for your special day. If your gown is heavily embellished, wearing a beautiful bold chandelier earring and layered bracelets keeps you polished (without distracting from your dress). A crystal necklace and earring set always adds perfect sparkle to your big day.

• Beautiful Bags: It’s important to carry a handbag to hold all your essentials (lip gloss, hairspray, bobby pins, etc.). Whether chic and simple, or elegantly embellished, there are plenty of handbag styles and silhouettes to complement any wedding day look. Wristlet styles allow you to keep it close at hand but never in the way.

Your gown is the foundation, but how you select your accessories will define your individual style. Whether you envision yourself as a classic, glamorous, or sweet and simple bride, we have all the accessories to help you realize your perfect look.

Have fun creating a style that is uniquely you at David’s Bridal!

By Kim Smith, Director of Alterations for David’s Bridal

After an exciting search, you’ve finally found your dream dress…. but does it fit just right, the way you always envisioned? Be sure to build time into your wedding countdown for alterations. To simplify the process, David’s Bridal’s expert alterations specialists, who are available at every nationwide location, will make sure your gown fits and flatters your figure. The ideal time to schedule your first fitting is when you purchase your dress. Of course our alterations specialists will do their best to accommodate you if you are not ready to schedule your appointment right away, but we all know that it’s best to plan ahead, ensuring a stress-free wedding day!

Here are a few important things to remember when you’re ready to have your gown altered:

o Be sure to factor the cost of alterations into your overall wedding budget. Keep in mind that alteration fees can vary depending on the amount of changes and complexity of the alterations – services include everything from shortening a dress and adjusting the side seams to adding sleeves and a bustle.

o When you visit for fittings, it is essential to bring the undergarments that you will be wearing with your gown. Properly fitting lingerie will not only ensure a smooth fit, but will prepare you for a comfortable and confident walk down the aisle.

o Remember to bring your shoes and veils to fittings too, to get a preview of your head-to-toe look and to ensure your dress is the perfect length.

o After alterations are completed at David’s Bridal, our alterations experts will ensure your gorgeous gown is pressed and prepared for your special day.

With your picture-perfect look set, get ready for an unforgettable wedding!

David’s Bridal is proud to stylishly outfit brides on TNT’s “Wedding Day”, a new reality television series that helps deserving brides ensure that their wedding day is one of the most magical days of their lives. Each week, celebrity wedding planner and author Diann Valentine hosts as family, friends and community come together to create a dream wedding. Today, the David’s Bridal Style Council is thrilled to welcome Diann as a guest blogger who will share tips to ensure your picture-perfect wedding fantasies come true, no matter your budget!

Diann’s Blog: Dream Weddings within Reach

In these uncertain economic times with consumer spending decreasing, there is one milestone that remains recession-proof: your wedding day. Although many brides are exercising cost-conscious decision-making, the opportunity for a woman to have one day to experience the greatest celebration in her life should go without sacrifice. To help you achieve all of your wedding dreams without uttering the ‘R’ word, here are my tips to ensure that your ‘I Do’ day is nothing less than fabulous!

1. Never sacrifice quantity for quality! Rather than compile a guest list that includes everyone from your childhood nanny to your college professors, ask yourself ‘if this were the last celebration of my life, who would I want to celebrate it with me’? This list can make all of the difference between a chic afternoon backyard soiree for 50 of your closest family and friends versus a buffet style reception for 200 complete with aluminum foil containers at the local banquet hall.

2. Choose non-traditional locations! Many hotels and venues will have a designated ceremony and reception location within their event space. Elect to flip the script and swap the areas for a less than predictable celebration. For example, you can opt to have a simple ceremony on an outdoor courtyard or ballroom of a hotel and then invite all of your guests to an intimate dinner and reception inside of the on-site chapel.

3. Color Your Love! Do not allow traditions or seasons to dictate the colors for your celebration. Most brides default to seasonal colors but if tangerine orange, celadon green and blood red excite you and ingnite your creative genius, and your wedding is planned in the middle of winter snow season, do not allow the weather forecast to deter your creative direction. It’s your day and probably the only day when you should absolutely have it your way!

4. Pre-ceremony receptions! Guests often arrive at weddings rather early to be certain not to miss the bride’s grand entrance. However, there are always a few last minute guests rushing in at the last minute or our precious bride herself that is running behind schedule. In anticipation of this often inevitable circumstance, plan for a 15 – 30 minute cocktail reception before the ceremony actually begins. Chilled white wine or naturally-flavored fruit spritzers will be well appreciated by your guests and offer you a cushion of time to mask any last minute delays while appearing to be a gracious and thoughtful host.

5. Unformatted seating! Traditional table seating with place cards is a must for multiple entrees offered for a sit-down dinner reception. However, a more casual affair lends itself to groupings of vignettes that may include sofas with coffee tables, dinner tables and chairs, ottomans and side tables or high cocktail tables with stools. The non-traditional approach to your seating plan will allow everyone to find their comfort zone and enjoy your celebration in the most comfortable manner for themselves – not to mention all of the great conversations that will stem from the variety of options.

For additional tips, please visit www.diannvalentine.com and check out Diann’s tips of the week. Diann Valentine is the co-host of Wedding Day a new reality show from Mark Burnett (Survivor, The Apprentice) that airs on Saturday mornings at 9am ET on TNT, author of Weddings Valentine Style and Creative Director of her Los Angeles based company D. R. Valentine & Associates, Inc.

Learn more about the db Style Council

SHORT & CHIC
by Dan Rentillo

These days, with the economy the way it is, brides are looking for alternatives to big weddings. Perhaps a simple Justice of the Peace ceremony followed by an intimate dinner for close friends and family at a favorite restaurant will do just fine: however, no matter how you decide to scale down your wedding, one thing you don’t have to sacrifice is your style.

Smaller, intimate weddings often call for a dress that may be a little less formal. If you’re looking for something short and chic, you’ll look appropriately fabulous in one of our newest looks, such as this Galina strapless taffeta dress with a pencil skirt and matching bolero jacket. Polish off the look with this Russian Tulle blusher, floral hair comb and triple strand pearl necklace.

You’ll be glamorous — and good to go!

View all posts by Dan Rentillo
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Color It Your Way
by Dan Rentillo

Color plays an important role in selecting the bridesmaids’ dresses. Often a bride decides on the color she wants her attendants to wear and then looks for a style that is available in that color. But what if instead of having one particular color, there are two colors you would like to incorporate into the bridal party? Perhaps its two shades of one color like Watermelon and Candy (pale) Pink, or two complementing, yet contrasting hues like Truffle and Pool.

If this is the case, you should definitely take a look at the Dress Up Your Dress Collection available at David’s Bridal. You choose the dress color and select from simple silhouettes in short or long lengths. Then each bridesmaid can completely personalize her look by adding a second color with a sash, neckline cuff for strapless styles, or on the short styles, a peek-a-boo slip. If you have a junior bridesmaid who wants to be included, there are styles in the same colors for her as well.

So if you happen to be set on having the colors of your favorite sports team, or Alma Mater, to coordinate with your entire event, Dress Up Your Dress may be the answer. You can also try on a variety of colors and styles in DB’s Dress Your Wedding tool.

View all posts by Dan Rentillo
Learn more about the db Style Council >

Where (can I wear it) Again?

Several years ago when my brother got married, I was asked to create the dresses for the entire wedding party. For the bridesmaids, the bride chose the color Peach, and I recommended the fabrics moire taffeta and lace. Remember this was several years ago. It actually was not as bad as it sounds, because the typical attendant’s dress at the time would have been drapery-like brocade fabric, with puffy sleeves, a basque waist and pearl lace appliqués around the neckline. We ended up with a strapless (rare in those days) lace bodice and full skirt with matching lace bolero jacket. Not so bad, but honestly, what are they going to do with them after the wedding? Peach taffeta moire? Please. It would probably be banished to the back of the closet along with all the other un-wearable, “maybe-I-can-cut-it-short-and-wear-it- again” dresses from weddings past. Like it did for my sister.

So after years and years of hearing bridesmaids after bridesmaids complain they could never find dresses they could wear again, the David’s Bridal Design Team decided to address this challenge and create styles that truly are wearable again and offer them at very affordable prices. One absolutely guaranteed wear-again style is our cotton sateen short strapless dress with side seam pockets. Very smart, and it comes in 18 colors! It’s the ideal dress to wear out to dinner or to another summer engagement. You can even throw a little cardigan sweater over it, add your favorite new wedge shoes, and stylishly wear it to work. (Check out Style 83312)

And if you’re looking for a long gown, we thought about that as well. Did you ever consider jersey for a bridesmaid’s dress? Knit fabrics are not only popular for dresses right now, they are also very comfortable to wear. We came up with a couple of very chic options. One is a very of-the-moment, one-shouldered style with a draped charmeuse satin bodice, and the other has a very flattering plunging V-neck that is “bra-friendly”. After the wedding, you can dress them up with a pair of bold chandelier earrings and cool, strappy sandals for your next event. Today’s popular maxi-dress trend makes it easy to wear long dresses in a casual way; just throw on a pair of flat sandals (gladiators would be perfect), and you’re ready to hit the town any time. Both dress styles work well on all figure types, so check them out.
(Check out Styles F13185 and F13095)

So with these options available to you, and some creative accessorizing on your part, you can stylishly “repurpose” these dresses and love fashionably wearing them again and again. Which is a lot more than I can say for a peach moire taffeta ball gown.