The Bride to Be

Introducing Dress of the Week Discount

2011-06-29T14:06:00.003-04:00

We know that to have real style, a bride needs to know how to wield her wallet most effectively. So . . . As a salute to all the stylish brides-to-be everywhere, may we present the Dress of the Week Discount. Every Monday, a new Dress of the Week will be posted with a discount attached. Said discount will be good for 1 week only.

Visit our Facebook page, "Like" us, find the post from that Monday, and get in on some stylish savings! http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/thebridetobe?sk=wall

Saturday . . .

2009-04-15T16:21:00.006-04:00

Last Saturday was a crazy one! The Bride to Be was packed with appointments, and Sarah was feeling completely under the weather. OK, "under the weather" is too light of a statement. She was ready to FALL OVER from a killer sinus headache. Honestly, the day was looking like it wasn't going to shape up to much . . . and then the Brace Family walked in.

Lauren Brace was our last appointment of the day. Judging by her outfit ("Bride to Be" blinged-out t-shirt, "Bride to Be" novelty necklace, wonderfully huge smile :) ), Lauren came prepared to fall in love with her wedding gown. If I remember correctly, she fell for the second dress she tried on, as did the ladies she brought with her. The oohing and ahhing could be heard all over the shop, and Lauren's face split in two with her gorgeous smile! This bride and her family managed to brighten our day (not to mention ease Sarah's pain) simply by giving into the experience and having fun with it!

When a bride selects a dress at The Bride to Be, we take her picture and add it to our Bride Board back in the office. As I went to grab the camera, I happened to glance out at the parking lot. Lauren's family wanted everyone on the roadways to know that Saturday was a special day for her. I couldn't resist the photo op! The back of the Brace family van says it all:

Bling it on!

2009-03-25T14:50:00.003-04:00

Yes, we love silk and lace, but there are times when we need a little sparkle and shine to make our day. The Bride to Be hosted a Haute Bride trunk show on March 13th and 14th. We met new brides, reconnected with familiar ones, but above all: gave some fabulous brides the opportunity to "bling it on!"

Nicole Conrad (and her adorable fiance) came up to The Fort from Indianapolis for the event. Check out the sparkle she treated herself to!

New York in the Fall

2008-10-22T19:33:00.002-04:00

We are back from the Bridal Market in New York, and are very excited!

We are bringing in several new styles from Veil Trends - wait 'til you see the fantastic feathers!!!!! Haute Bride hit it out of the park as well with some gorgeous bling that won't cost your life savings to wear. It was great to see both of these designers in person!

More loveliness from Augusta Jones, Alvina Valenta, Watters, Judd Waddell and Caroline DeVillo as well.

Stay tuned . . .

July 12, 2008

2008-09-06T12:35:00.002-04:00

Jenna, you look so happy! This picture is so much fun - thanks for the bustle shot! You look amazing. We're so glad everything went well. Best wishes for a wonderful marriage and thanks so much for the goodies. You and your family were so sweet and wonderful to work with.

Love,

Sarah and Kate

Calling All Brides!!

2008-07-30T15:58:00.002-04:00

Hey Brides - listen up! Our Anniversary Savings Celebration begins August 1st! From August 1st-30th, place any order for 10% off or more. Not to mention a nice little discount on all in-stock merchandise! Go to our website www.thebridetobeonline.com for more details.

We have a couple of new lines that you will want to be sure to check out. Hair a la Carte features synthetic fashion hairpieces that will give you the versatility, volume and length you’ve been looking for (without having to grow your hair out). You really can have the great up-do, classic chignon or long silky curls you long for. Better yet, since Hair a la Carte is synthetic, you won’t have to worry about frizz! Their “Best Tressed Collection” of beautiful hairpieces has 8 styles in 12 delicious colors. They’re fun, quick, easy and gorgeous so that you will be the most beautiful bride – wedding day or every day!

Our other exciting addition is Miss Oops! This line has been featured in Allure and Lucky. Our favorite item is the Rescue Sponge. Deodorant marks on your clothes? Make-up on your collar? This sponge comes to the rescue without getting your clothes wet!

Come and help us celebrate another wonderful year of helping brides. Your moment awaits!

Size: It really is just a number!

2008-06-15T23:13:00.002-04:00

It never fails. Bridal fittings can bring out the curve conscious diva in all of us. We have yet to meet a bride that doesn't mention some part of her figure that she is less than trilled with! Here's the thing, though. Your wedding is the day when you really need to FEEL as beautiful as everyone says you look. So if the bias cut silk charmeuse gown makes you FEEL like everyone will be focused on your thighs, then move on. There is a style out there that accentuates or creates gorgeous figure features you may not realize you have!

Yes, you can lose weight before your wedding, but your fiance put a ring on your finger because he adores you - the total package. So . . . why not concentrate on getting yourself healthier, rather than thinner? Here are a few of our favorite healthy habits:

* Amp up your water intake. Not only will you back off the bloat, but your skin, hair and nails will benefit as well.

* Take a walk after class, work, on a lunch break, hop on a treadmill, walk the dog briskly. 20 minutes a day is all it takes!

* Eat 3 smaller meals as well as a mid-morning, mid-afternoon, and evening snack. Keep your portions in proportion and your snacks free of tons of salt or sugar, and you'll boost your metabolism.

Feeling better on the inside always looks fabulous on the outside!

When it's time to order your gown, don't get discouraged by size. Most gowns are NOT sized the same as street wear (in fact they run smaller). The goal is to choose a size that you'll be comfortable in, even if that means some minor alterations. There is nothing worse than not being able to breathe all for the sake of squeezing into a size 10.

Bottom line: Once your measurements are taken, have your consultant go over the designer's size chart with you. If you have questions about the suggested size, don't hesitate to ask. Be comfortable with what you're ordering. Comfort = Confidence = Real Beauty!

To veil, or not to veil . . .

2007-10-09T22:11:00.000-04:00

Typically a bride has a definite opinion about wearing a veil. We experience brides that are completely anti-veil, and others that want the longest, glitteriest piece of illusion, tulle or lace in existence. Whatever your preference might be, we thought we'd share a little history on this headpiece, as well as give you a couple of links to some gorgeous styles!

Bridal veils date back to biblical times. Since many couples didn't meet until until their wedding day, a bride's identity could be kept secret until the vows were exchanged and the ceremony completed. In the biblical instance of Jacob, the young man was tricked by his father-in-law into marrying the homlier of his two daughters through the use of a heavy veil. Jacob didn't realize the deception until the veil was raised and the union completed. How's that for a wedding gift?!

During the reign of the Roman Empire, wealthier brides wore brightly colored veils to protect their youthful beauty from evil spirits. Nothing that a good sunscreen couldn't handle these days, right?

Queen Victoria made the elaborate lace veil popular in the 1840's. During the Victorian era, veils were an heirloom piece that was passed down through generations. By 1940 the veil had been reduced to a cap that covered the crown of the head with an elbow length layer of tulle attached.
Today's bride has so many options it's overwhelming! Will your hairstyle determine whether you incorporate a veil into your bridal style, or will the veil you choose influence your hairstyle? Or do you forego the veil altogether and employ some gorgeous hair jewelry? Check out these great styles . . . maybe that will help!

http://www.veiltrends.com/

http://www.erincole.com/

Brides Against Breast Cancer

2007-10-03T12:17:00.000-04:00

Most brides know that this is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, right? If not, and for some reason your community isn't shouting it from the roof tops - consider moving. :)

Brides-to-be, encourage your mom, future mom-in-law, sisters, cousins, aunts, grandmas, bridesmaids, old high school girl friends and former college roommates to perform regular self breast exams. Send an email self-exam reminder with a funny subject line, or drop a cute note in the mail. It's incredibly easy, takes less than 5 minutes, and it could save a life. Early detection is the best protection!

For more ways you can join the fight against breast cancer and learn about the latest advances in research, visit http://www.verabradley.org.

Open for business

2007-10-02T22:19:00.000-04:00

Welcome to The Bride to Be! We've just come back from a buying trip in Chicago and attended a fantastic seminar by Rick Segal. We've taken his suggestion to start a blog to share with brides and fans of bridal couture. Great idea - thanks, Rick!

A little about us:

We are very much a boutique. A painstakingly chosen bridal couture selection, hip downtown/southside location, fitting by appointment, two very excited owners!

You'll find the best from Judd Waddell, Caroline DeVillo, Alvina Valenta, Watters, Augusta Jones and Melissa Sweet at The Bride to Be.

One of the things that attracted us to the bridal industry was helping brides look their most beautiful on the first day as a wife. So here's to new beginnings!