Meet Kerried Away Couture, Something New in Bridesmaid Dresses
Thursday, April 15, 2010
A few months ago, I had the opportunity to meet Kerri of Kerried Away Couture. She told me about her line of dresses for bridesmaids and any special occasion. Kerried Away offers what I like to call "semi-custom" bridal party attire. Instead of purchasing dresses from a store or having them designed based on your description+sources of inspiration (like a magazine), with Kerried Away, you would select the style and fabric, provide measurements and your dresses would be made based on the order, hence semi-custom.
I reached out to Kerri to learn more about what she offers and how she got into weddings. I think you'll love Kerried Away Couture and appreciate my interview.
Oh - Kerri will also have sample dresses on display at our Girls Night Out event. If you are attending, be sure to stop by her area to feel/touch, even try on the dresses for yourself. Who knows, your next "little black dress" could be a Kerried Away design!
Special thanks to Evin Photography for providing the lovely pictures of Kerri's work.
ABG: How did you get started in weddings?
Kerri: A photographer learned of my concept and saw my designs that I was offering for everyday wear for women and made the suggestion that I look into working with brides. She said that the Kerried Away Couture concept would be perfect for bridesmaid dresses, rehearsal dinners, or showers.
ABG: What do you like most about weddings?
Kerri: I enjoy how each wedding is different. Each bride always has a unique idea or color they want to incorporate in their dresses. Most brides enjoy designing their bridesmaid dresses or a fun party dress that fits their personality so it is usually a fun process for all involved.
ABG: What is your service philosophy?
Kerri: I want the bride to be happy, and I will work to make sure the design process is enjoyable and stress free. I also strive to offer each bride the opportunity to design something unique but within their budget.
ABG: What are your strengths compared to others in your category? / Why should a bride hire you?
Kerri: My strength lies in my business concept and personal service. I am able to offer brides the ability to completely customize a dress. In addition, I do not use rack sizing, instead I will actually measure the bride or bridesmaids to insure a great fit. I meet with each bride and keep in contact with them through the entire process so there is a personal aspect that I offer as well.
ABG: Who are your 5 favorite Nashville wedding vendors – helpfulness, professionalism, style?
Kerri: Planners: Kerry Dunn of No Detail UnDunn + Tiffani Helms of Creative Design Events + Caterer: A Catered Affair + Photographers: Evin Photography and Divine Images
ABG: Who do you recommend when you’re not available/not a fit?
Kerri: I would recommend Bella Bridesmaid. They have a variety dress options and provide great service.
ABG: What do you read/watch regularly to stay on top of wedding/event trends?
Kerri: I look for inspiration in many fashion magazines – Instyle and Vogue are 2 that I find to have unique styles that can be applied to dresses that Kerried Away Couture offers. I often see a top or a neckline that I like and think about how I might incorporate that in a dress. In regards to wedding magazines, I prefer Instyle Weddings and Grace Ormonde. I also enjoy watching Say Yes to the Dress and Platinum Weddings. I read Ashley’s Bride Guide almost every day to stay in the know on wedding events and trends in Nashville. The Knot and Brides.com are also great resources.
Let’s discuss current wedding trends:
ABG: What trend do you love?
Kerri: I really like the one shoulder dress that has become more popular recently. I am actually in the process of adding a one shoulder option to the Kerried Away Couture design styles. Another trend that I really like is that brides are letting their bridesmaids pick different dress styles in the same fabric. Not everyone's body structure is the same so why not let them pick different styles. This has become more and more popular, and I think it’s a fabulous idea.
ABG: What trend do you think is a complete faux pas?
Kerri: I still see the bubble dress every now and then. Bubble dresses and skirts make women look larger than they actually are. If designed correctly, a bubble dress works, but most of the time its just not flattering.
ABG: Which trend do you think is gone for good?
Kerri: The fluffy/poofy bridesmaid sleeves of the 80s!
ABG: Which trend are you sad is gone?
Kerri: I don’t see cap sleeves very often. I think a cap sleeve has potential to be very elegant and flattering, but it’s not very popular for bridesmaid dresses
ABG: What are your favorite wedding websites?
Kerri:
The Knot
Wedding Wire
Instyle Weddings
ABG: What would you be doing if you did not work in weddings?
Kerri: Before starting Kerried Away Couture, I was a Senior Financial Analyst at a large company. I enjoyed my work, and it was a huge change to leave, but I think if I were to do something else again, I might pursue a career where I had more personal interaction – I’m more of a people person.
ABG: What advice would you give to brides on choosing a vendor?
Kerri: When choosing where you want to purchase your rehearsal dinner dress or your bridesmaid dresses, I think its important that you get along with the vendor and that you feel you can put your trust in that vendor.
ABG: What advice would you give to brides on the wedding planning process in general?
Kerri: Take time to enjoy it. I am actually getting married in June 2010 but have been engaged since December 2008, and it has flown by for me. I started planning early so it has made my last few months before the wedding much more enjoyable.
ABG: What is your favorite thing about working with brides (or grooms)?
Kerri: Brides are usually very excited about the design they choose, and in the process, I get to hear about what they have planned for their wedding day – I love to hear all the great ideas!
ABG: Where can we find you if you’re not working with a bride?
Kerri: With my family or friends or possibly with a client that is designing a dress or skirt to wear every day. Most of my styles, depending on fabric, can be worn in a casual, every day setting as well.
ABG: Is there a method to your madness when working with weddings/brides?
Kerri: I make sure the bride is well informed. I think keeping everyone in the “know” is key throughout the process.
ABG: As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Kerri: As a little girl, I always wanted to be a teacher. I loved pretending to teach my dolls when I was young.
ABG: I guess your desire to teach ensures your brides are informed:). Name one thing you love about your job.
Kerri: My favorite thing about my job is seeing the dress or skirt that a client designed come together. My clients are usually excited to actually see what they designed – this is my favorite moment in the process.
About the Author:
Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide
Hey - I'm Ashley! I started AshleysBrideGuide.com to give Nashville brides, or folks planning a Nashville wedding, a local resource for inspiration and resources. Hope to see you at a bridal show soon! Happy Planning.
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Posted on April 15, 2010 |
Filed under: Attire - Bridal Gowns, Wedding Dresses & Accessories, Wedding Resources
