Thursday, March 15, 2012
This week is truly a dream week for all of you bargain-seeking brides. Today kicks off the Bridal Bargainista event, a great way to shop for pre-owned wedding decor (from aisle runners to centerpieces). We'll be there so be sure to plan to attend Thursday, Friday, or Saturday. Find more details here. But, if you are looking for a steal on a wedding dress, join us bright and early on Saturday morning for the annual Goodwill Gala.
If you are not familiar with the Goodwill Gala, here's a quick rundown:
The Goodwill Wedding Gala is the ultimate way to save on your wedding dress. The Gala will take place from 6am to 9am on March 17 at the Goodwill Store in Rivergate located at 2101 Gallatin Pike North in Madison, Tennessee.
The dresses:
You will find bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, cocktail dresses, mother of the bride/groom dresses, flower girl dresses, and more from Alfred Angelo, Allure, Eden Bridals, Mary’s, Watters Brides, etc. No wedding gown will be priced over $400!!
The organization:
Proceeds from the sale of these items will benefit the mission of Goodwill, which is to provide employment and training opportunities for people with disabilities and others who have trouble finding and keeping jobs.
The inside scoop:
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Be sure to arrive early - last year there were 350+ brides in line at 6am to get their dream gown for less!
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Attendees will be treated to refreshments provided by C&K Catering and The Cupcake Collection.
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Rhonda Patton Weddings will provide inspirational wedding designs.
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Pre-owned wedding gowns have been cleaned by Nicholson Cleaners.
To read all about the organization, the event, and our tour of the Goodwill facilities, read our full feature via this link. For more information, visit giveit2goodwill.org or call 615-346-1665.
Before you go, browse the
Goodwill Wedding Gala Look Book for a sampling of the looks that will be for sale this Saturday (all for under $400) at the Gala.
How gorgeous is this wedding gown! I can't believe it will be available for under $400 at the Gala.
The Gala will will offer dresses for brides and bridesmaids too!
Look Book Credits - Vintage Car: 1959 Bentley from Matchless Transportation, Men’s Attire: Street Tuxedo, Location: Schermerhorn Symphony Center
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Attire - Bridal Gowns, Wedding Dresses & Accessories, Bridal Shows & Events, Bridesmaids & Bridal Party, DIY & Budget Wed Finds
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Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Your bridesmaids have rallied with you. They’ve held your hand while you vented. They celebrated and cried bucket loads of happy tears when you got engaged. They are prepared to work on your DIY wedding projects. They’ll be at all of your parties and the showers. If ever there was something you could do for them, it would be to keep them out of an ugly bridesmaid dress!
That's where Kerri can help. Kerri is the owner Kerried Away Couture, a business that specializes in custom made clothing for any personality. I spoke with this lovely lady who has a radiant, bright spot in her heart for bridesmaids. With Kerried Away Couture, you can choose whether all of your girls wear the same gown or if each girl's gown is designed to complement her personality. Read what she has to say about the advantages to custom-made dresses for your bridesmaids! You’ll be just as captivated as I was!
How does your business of custom bridesmaids’ dresses work? What does the selection process look like?
We have an easy, three step proess, and it doesn’t necessarily have to be in this order, though we usually recommend it. First, you select the style. This includes bodice, length, straps, etc. All styles are mix-matched, meaning you can pick various things from different pieces and put them together. You can do a skirt from one style and a bodice from another. Brides often like certain parts of a dress, but rarely the dress in its entirety, so this allows you to be creative piece by piece.
Next comes fabric. We carry 100% cotton, 100% silk, silk blend, silk taffeta, etc. along with a handful of patterned fabrics. We also have access to hundreds of additional fabrics that are brought in on an add-needed basis.
Finally, the last step is detail. This is the fun stuff: pockets, bows, ruffles, double ruffles, waste bands in various colors—things that make the dress unique and add a flash of personality.
Three photos above by Evin Photography
Are there some common misconceptions regarding custom made dresses for bridesmaids?
Yes, mainly, it’s assumed that a custom made dress is the most expensive option. Our styles start at $185, but bridal discounts can potentially range from 10-15% depending on the number in the wedding party, possibly knocking your price down to $150. We do what we can to work with a bride’s budget. Also, none of the bridesmaids are required to pay the whole price at one time; 50% is paid in the beginning and 50% is paid after the dress has been completed.
Another misconception is that the dress will fit absolutely perfectly since it’s custom made. Most of the time, we’re unable to do a fitting with a bridesmaid because she isn’t from the area and can’t make it for a fitting. However, if she is able to come in, we’re happy to fit her! What we offer, then, is described as mixed-sizing, meaning that the top and bottom are different sizes based from measurements. We do offer a complete custom option, but it isn’t included automatically.
Photo by Divine Images
Mentioning cost, how do your dresses compare to bridal salons and ready- made dresses for the bridesmaids’ expense?
We offer more of a wholesale price because we’re not selling at a retail establishment. Everything is made in the U.S. I’m passionate about supporting the local scene, so I love incorporating this passion into my business. I’ve found that the prices of our dresses are typically less than or right at the prices of major retailers in Nashville.
How do alterations work with Kerried Away Couture?
An alteration package usually costs $25 for bridesmaids. This is essentially a guarantee that bridesmaids will walk out of our door knowing that the dress fits exactly how they want it to. Similar to fittings, bridesmaids must be in town in order to have an alteration. Also, we only work with dresses that we produce for bridesmaids.
Top photo by Photos By Alex; Bottom photo by Followell Fotography
What about wait time compared with bridal salons and ready-made options?
Most designers need anywhere from 3-5 months, but this varies according to the designer, not from where you’re purchasing your dress. I always request three months for bridesmaids’ dresses, because we’re not a huge operation, and so we never know when an influx of people will fall in needing dresses. I recommend that you schedule as soon as you can; most brides come to us at the six-month mark.
Can you describe the ease of having bridesmaids’ dresses custom made as opposed to other options?
We want to bring a personal aspect to the dress-making process; that’s what we’re about. Bridesmaids often get left in the wing of things. I always tell brides, to give me the name, email, and phone number of their bridesmaids and we commit to taking care of them. Brides can get with their friends and pick style, fabric, and detail and then just trust Kerried Away. We want to take stress off the bride, and this is our little way of doing just that.
Re-wearable designs! Photo by Joy Chambers Photography
Why do you think a bride might want a dress custom made for her bridesmaids? What is the thing that makes it most special?
We strive to sew together a memory. We’re always one on one, and never do we schedule two appointments on top of each other; we do this to enhance the experience. When bridesmaids wear our dresses, it’s not because they looked in a catalogue, pointed, and said, “That’s what I want,” but instead it’s something that they hand selected—hand crafted. Customizing everything gives a magical personality that reflects the bride and her friends.
Visit their store in Murfreesboro! Photo by Joy Chambers Photography
For more information, contact Lane or Kerri at Kerried Away Couture and make sure to mention that you found them on ABG!
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Posted by Betsy-Intern |
Filed under: Attire - Bridal Gowns, Wedding Dresses & Accessories, Bridesmaids & Bridal Party
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Thursday, February 16, 2012
Attention all budget-smart or vintage seeking brides: I've got a hot-off-the-press goody for you this week...The Goodwill Wedding Gala Look Book is now available and you can see it here before anywhere else!! Take a few moments to enjoy some of my favorite looks and then check out the entire digital magazine, which includes a small sampling of the dresses that will be on sale (all for under $400) at the Gala.
How gorgeous is this wedding gown! I can't believe it will be available for under $400 at the Gala.
The Gala will will offer dresses for brides and bridesmaids too!
Look Book Credits - Vintage Car: 1959 Bentley from Matchless Transportation, Men’s Attire: Street Tuxedo, Location: Schermerhorn Symphony Center
If you are not familiar with the Goodwill Gala, here's a quick synopsis:
The Goodwill Wedding Gala is the ultimate way to save on your wedding dress. The Gala will take place from 6am to 9am on March 17 at the Goodwill Store in Rivergate located at 2101 Gallatin Pike North in Madison, Tennessee.
The dresses:
You will find bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, cocktail dresses, mother of the bride/groom dresses, flower girl dresses, and more from Alfred Angelo, Allure, Eden Bridals, Mary’s, Watters Brides, etc. No wedding gown will be priced over $400!!
The organization:
Proceeds from the sale of these items will benefit the mission of Goodwill. Goodwill helps provide employment and training opportunities for people with disabilities and others who have trouble finding and keeping jobs.
The inside scoop:
-
Be sure to arrive early - last year there were 350+ brides in line at 6am to get their dream gown for less!
-
Attendees will be treated to refreshments provided by C&K Catering and The Cupcake Collection.
-
Rhonda Patton Weddings will provide inspirational wedding designs.
-
Pre-owned wedding gowns have been cleaned by Nicholson Cleaners.
To read all about the organization, the event, and our tour of the Goodwill facilities, read our full feature via this link. For more information, visit giveit2goodwill.org or call 615-346-1665.
share
Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Attire - Bridal Gowns, Wedding Dresses & Accessories, Bridal Shows & Events, Bridesmaids & Bridal Party, DIY & Budget Wed Finds
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Monday, September 12, 2011
This Thursday, we are hosting a wedding planning workshop with Kerried Away Couture. {See details and rsvp here.} If you aren't familiar with Kerried Away, we're here to tell you more about this special company.
When it comes to personalizing you wedding, nothing expresses your personality more than your wedding dress and when that dress is custom made for you by a company as talented as Kerried Away Couture, let's just say it can't really get better than that! Kerri Zelenik Burton, owner of Nashville based design shop, Kerried Away Couture, was kind enough to give us the inside info on her business, her passion for creating custom gowns and dress designing for her own wedding last summer. Sit back and settle in because it's time to let yourself get carried away by the beauty and talent of 'Kerried Away Couture'!
How did you get started in weddings?
A photographer learned of Kerried Away’s concept and saw the designs that we offer for everyday wear for women and made the suggestion that I look into working with brides. As I explored this market segment I realized that this was a perfect fit for brides. At the time I was engaged myself and I was having a hard time finding exactly what I wanted so I knew there were others out there struggling with finding the right bridesmaid dress or rehearsal dinner dress that also fit into their budget. Working with brides is now probably 80% of our business.
Beautiful fabric swatches at Kerri's showroom in Murfreesboro.
What do you like most about weddings?
We enjoy how each bride always has a unique idea, detail, 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 – it’s really a fun process for all involved.
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Kerri at her wedding last summer with her bridesmaids in their custom designed dresses (made by Kerri of course)! Photo courtesy of Divine Images.
What is your service philosophy?
We want the bride to be happy and we will work to make sure the design process is enjoyable and stress free. With a variety of fabric and design options, we also strive to offer each bride the opportunity to design something unique but within their budget.
What are your strengths compared to others in your category? / Why should a bride hire you?
Our strength lies in the business concept. We are able to offer brides the ability to completely customize a dress and also have fittings with the actual seamstresses that make their dresses. In addition, we do not use rack sizing, instead we actually measure the bride or bridesmaids and do our best to fit their measurements on the top and bottom. We also offer a fitting package that brides and/or bridesmaids can choose to purchase in which we can guarantee a great fit – no need for alterations if they choose this package. We meet with each bride and keep in contact with them through the entire process so there is a personal aspect that we offer as well.
Who are your 5 favorite Nashville wedding vendors – helpfulness, professionalism, style?
There are so many wonderful vendors in Nashville its difficult to choose just a few but below are four that we have had a lot of experience working with and would recommend to anyone. Brides can take advice and recommendations but when it comes down to it the most important thing is that the bride feels comfortable and compatible with her vendors. We love working with -- Planner: Kerry Dunn, No Detail UnDunn; Planner: Tiffani Helms, Creative Design Events; Caterer: A Catered Affair; and Photographer: Divine Images.
Melanie, a designer for Kerried Away Couture, in a beautiful Kerried Away dress!
Who do you recommend when you’re not available/not a fit?
We would recommend Bella Bridesmaid or b.Hughes. Both have a variety dress options and provide great service.
What do you read/watch regularly to stay on top of wedding/event trends?
Ashley’s Bride Guide of course! We also follow the popular entertainment blog Pizzazzerie which has great party design ideas and fun projects. In regards to wedding magazines, we prefer Instyle Weddings. The Knot and Brides.com are also great online resources.
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The ladies of Kerried Away Couture and Paige's Pantry at the grand opening of their joint showroom in May!
What advice would you give to brides on the wedding planning process in general?
Enjoy this time in your life. It goes so quickly and there are times when it can be stressful and a bit busy but you will be so glad in the end if you really try to enjoy it and soak it all up all along the way. Also, choose vendors that you feel you have a good connection to you and your fiancé. Choosing the right vendors can really make all the difference in the entire planning process and ultimately the wedding day.
A BIG thanks to Kerri for giving us a glimpse into dress design. Can we just talk about those stunning bridesmaid dresses for a second?! Gorgeous! For more information on Kerried Away Couture be sure to check out her website right here or visit her showroom in Murfreesboro! And don't forget to mention ABG for a special discount!
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Filed under: Our Featured Advertisers!, Attire - Bridal Gowns, Wedding Dresses & Accessories, Bridal Shows & Events, Bridesmaids & Bridal Party, Luxury Nashville Wedding Finds
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Thursday, June 23, 2011
Last Thursday, Ashley and I attended Cupcakes and Couture, the showroom opening of Kerried Away Couture and Paige’s Pantry in Murfreesboro. Kerri, a custom dress designer, and Paige, a cake decorating instructor, opened their doors on May 24th and hosted a fabulous launch party on June 16th.
We have LONG supported and LOVED Kerried Away Couture - as an amazing designer, bride and local, female entrepreneur. So, we were elated to celebrate the launch of her store. We thought we were going to see what was in store for Nashville brides but we too got carried away when we realized that her designs are great for brides, bridesmaids, moms, any special occasion AND everyday wear too!
The Couture {Glorious Dresses + Accessories}!
First - How does this custom dress thing work? You start with choosing your fabric and Kerried Away has hundreds of amazing options - from solids to dots and silk to cotton. Then, you choose your dress style, from short to long, strapless to spaghetti strings. It's really simply, yet really fabulous. You can have a custom made dress that fits YOUR measurements, so no altering! For your bridesmaids, you can choose the style and fabric or allow them to choose the style and you choose the fabric. It's totally up to you.
Here are some of our favorite designs that were on display for the evening...
Kerri in a stunning floral print Kerried Away Couture strapless dress.
Melanie, a Kerried Away Couture designer, in a print that Ashley swooned over all night plus the skirt that Ashley MUST have. She couldn't leave until she tried in on, over clothes and all!
Ashley: "This skirt is perfect. I've got to have it..."
"...and I must have these too!"
Kerri creates gorgeous skirts, and dresses, all made to order! Her designs are great for bridesmaids, rehearsal dresses, and every day skirts. We love the versatility of Kerri’s designs!
Kerried Away Couture also has an incredible selection of handmade jewelry for weddings or any special occasion. The jewelry is handmade by her favorite artisans and absolutely stunning. Just like any Kerried Away Couture design, these pieces are great for your bridesmaids or a night out on the town with your fiancé!
The Cupcakes {Celebratory Party}!
In addition to meeting the entire Kerried Away Couture team, we were also introduced to Paige of Paige's Pantry and her team. Paige’s Pantry specializes in cake decorating classes, and sells cake decorating supplies. There are different classes designed for families, children, or just the ladies. Talk about a great treat for your bridesmaids!
Kerri & Ashley
Lane, Marketing Manager & Stylist at Kerried Away Couture, Kerri & Paige
Befitting the occasion, guests were served delectable cupcakes and cookies in the shape of dresses. So cute! Hors d’oeuvres were provided by The Greenery on the Square.
One of our favorites, an Oreo topped cupcake!
Everything was custom, including the wall decor that represents their focus on cake/couture! Love it!
Cakes made by local bakers were on display, along with decorating items for all baking lovers!
Right, Dream Cakes; Left, Robyn's Nest (Showcased bakers work from inspected home kitchens.)
The new guest book? We were all about this cake sign-in!
Party Girls Cupcake Kit! Perfect for a girl's night in!
The whole Kerried Away Couture + Paige’s Pantry Family! Thank you for hosting a great event!
Congratulations, Kerri & Paige! We are so thrilled for you two and cannot wait to see your businesses grow in your new space.
All photos courtesy of Bethany Ann Photography
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Posted by Bethany |
Filed under: Attire - Bridal Gowns, Wedding Dresses & Accessories, Bridesmaids & Bridal Party
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