Wednesday, May 23, 2012
We have shared various reasons why Street Tuxedo is the best choice for your tuxedo rental needs, and we've shared lots of weddings in which the grooms and groomsmen looked dapper in the tuxedos they rented from Street. It's easy for us to go on and on about why we feel they're great and that you should work with them. But, instead of us trying to convince you even further, we are going to look to your peers to tell us why they love Street Tuxedo. These are all from reviews from real brides and grooms who recommend Street Tuxedo and why they loved working with them for their wedding!
Photos by Mary Rosenbaum
1) Huge Selection of Quality Tuxedos
Street Tuxedo personally picks out the styles of tuxedo they carry and stay up-to-date on the latest trends for weddings so grooms always look good. "They have an incredible selection of top quality tuxedos, this is the boutique of tuxedos, not the Walmart of tuxedos you'd find in the mall," said one groom. Another satisfied groom commented, "They had our tuxes in in time, had way classier looking tuxes then the generic chains, and were extremely personable."
Street Tuxedo's warehouse is here in Nashville and they have a huge inventory of tuxedos, suits, shirts, and the accessories that accompany a tuxedo (vests, ties, cummerbunds, etc.) so if you need something to match what the bridesmaids are wearing, odds are very good they can match it. This is a huge source of relief for couples who have specific color schemes. "We had trouble deciding on the exact shades that would best compliment the bridesmaids dresses and the Street Tuxedo team were extremely helpful in making these decisions." Other grooms praised their variety and ability to match colors and said, "They have lots of options and we were really happy with the tuxes we got."
Photo by Jonathon Campbell
2) Experience and knowledge
Unlike most tuxedo rental stores, Street Tuxedo is not a chain and isn't a typical retail shop where there is constant turnaround with their sales people. With years of experience and staff comprised mostly of the Street family, the person you're working with most likely has the surname Street and is dedicated to making sure you have the best experience possible. One groom took notice and said, "No high school kids working here, like other stores in the mall! You feel confident that you're getting great service, a good product, and someone who knows what they're doing!" No one is selling you on a tux just for the sake of making a sale - Street Tuxedo wants you to look good on your wedding day and they work hard to make sure that happens!
Which brings us to the next reason brides and grooms enjoy working with Street Tuxedo...
3) Great customer service
Whether your guys live in Nashville or in another state, Street Tuxedo will make sure everyone gets the right outfit that you specified in the right sizes. Newlyweds Angel and Peter experienced this good service first hand: "We had trouble deciding on the exact shades that would best complement the bridesmaids dresses and the Street Tuxedo team were extremely helpful in making these decisions. They were EXCELLENT in working with all of our out of town men in the bridal party."
In the case of this next groom, they had a unique situation that Rachael Street of Street Tuxedo rolled with and made everything work: "One of our ring bearers is from Wales and his mother had sent me the measurements in European sizes. I forwarded them to Rachael to see what she thought. She worked with what I gave her and helped us figure out the right size for the little boy."
Now THAT is good service.
ABG Notes: They even have tuxedos for boys and ring bearers. How cute! (Photo by Amanda Evans)
Photo by Becca Yager Photography
4) Local
Why should brides be the only ones to have a shopping experience? Street Tuxedo has three locations in middle Tennessee with a large selection of samples grooms and groomsmen can try on. There's no guess work involved when ordering your tuxedo. Simply call Street Tuxedo to schedule an appointment during which your groom can find a style of tuxedo in which he is comfortable and, more importantly, looks really good!
We hope this helps you make your decision and gives you a better idea of what's in store for you. Tuxedo shopping should be an enjoyable part of weddings and when in doubt, rest assured Street Tuxedo will be on hand to help you out.
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Posted by Tabitha |
Filed under: Attire - Bridal Gowns, Wedding Dresses & Accessories
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Thursday, May 17, 2012
Something Old Something New (SOSN) has something for every bride looking to maximize her wedding budget. The wedding consignment boutique located in Nashville's Lenox Village features new, sample, and consignment wedding items at affordable prices, including bridal gowns, bridesmaids dresses, mother-of-the-bride gowns, shoes, jewelry, hair accessories, veils, and reception décor. Something Old Something New also caters to local party-goers, supplying the Nashville area with gorgeous second-hand dresses (most under $40!) perfect for any gala or prom.
Special thanks to Joe Hendricks Photography for kindly providing images of the salon and gowns.
This week is their official grand opening! Wedding vendors are invited to drop by for wine and cheese today (Thursday) from 6-830pm. Brides, neighbors, friends - stop by Friday from 6-830pm and enjoy catering by The Chef and I. The boutique will continue to be open Saturday and Sunday so you can shop all weekend.
Beth - owner
Beth Glascock, owner, opened Something Old Something New so that brides could stretch their wedding dollars further, spending less on gowns and accessories and more on big-ticket expenses such as photography and catering. When designing the boutique, Beth wanted the feel of the store to be “comfortable and special”. “We want you to come and relax and have a good time; I don’t want anyone to feel like this is a high-pressure situation,” said Beth. As most brides know, shopping for a wedding gown can be stressful enough without having a sales consultant hounding you to make a purchase. Something Old Something New prides themselves on putting the bride’s feelings first. Beth has even encouraged indecisive brides to go home and sleep on their decision.
“I had a bride who was hesitant because she was in love with a gown from a different store…I told her she should buy the gown she loved, even if I wasn’t selling it to her.” Beth wants every bride to be comfortable and excited about their purchase, and her enthusiasm and sincerity for her customer’s happiness is obvious. Complimentary private appointments are encouraged and there is no pretense, only an experience that resembles a game of dress-up for the bride and her companions!
Looking to buy?
Something Old Something New is a great option for budget brides. The boutique is also an excellent option for a bride who is looking for multiple gowns for her event. Almost all of the bridal gowns are priced around $200, veils are priced at $50 or less, hair accessories are under $30, and shoes are priced at around $15. Most of the gowns do require some dry-cleaning or mending, but that extra expense is reflected in the prices.
Something Old Something New is open M-F by appointment Only, and Saturdays 10am-5pm. Appointments can be made by emailing Beth at info{at}somethingoldnewandblue.com or by phone: 615-428-8379.
Looking to sell?
There are 5 easy steps that Beth suggests for consigning items at Something Old Something New. Visit their website for details.
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Attire - Bridal Gowns, Wedding Dresses & Accessories, DIY & Budget Wed Finds
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Wednesday, May 2, 2012
We all love Kerri with Kerried Away Couture, who customizes dresses for all members of the bridal party around a plethora of events: rehearsal dinners, showers, the wedding ceremony, etc. Her design allows you to create the perfect dress for any occasion! We asked Kerri about fabric selections for brides - which fabrics fit which wedding styles, and as always, she offered her lovely voice to the subject! Read on to see what she had to say; she’s your girl for custom-made dresses!
Custom Kerried Away bridesmaid dresses for a fun, outdoor wedding. Photo by Joy Chambers Photography.
Photo above by Followell Fotography; photo below by Attanasio Photography.
Which colors/patterns we'll be seeing on bridesmaid dresses over the next year?
All shades of blue from light blue to navy are very popular with our brides getting married in 2012. Pale to bright yellow is becoming more popular as well which we didn’t see much of until meeting with brides for 2012 weddings. We are also seeing a trend of many brides choosing a color for the bridesmaid dresses that will make for nice neck ties, bows ties, and pocket squares. At Kerried Away we have recently added the option of ties and pocket squares which is perfect for brides who want to carry the color palette over to the groomsmen.
Are there any types of fabrics/styles that you would recommend for different seasons (winter vs summer weddings)?
The great thing about Dupioni Silk and Silk Shantung is that both are great year around. Taffeta is beautiful for fall and winter weddings but can also be used year around. Velvet is not widely used but adds an attractive element to a winter wedding and should be reserved for late November through January. Lastly, Cotton is great for casual weddings held in the spring through fall.
In regards to style, most are great for just about any time of the year. Adding wraps or bolero’s to the bridesmaid dresses for winter weddings would be something to think about. Darker colors, jewel tones, and metallic’s are very appropriate for fall and winter weddings although some of these such as black, navy, and silver are great year around.
Are there any specific fabrics that are becoming increasingly popular for bridesmaid dresses?
The raw silk we use has been very popular. We haven’t really seen as much of a trend in fabric as we have in color and style. At Kerried Away there are a many fabric options including Silk Taffeta, 100% Dupioni Silk, Silk Faille, Silk Shantung, Silk Blend, Velvet, and Cotton.
Photos by Attanasio Photography
In regards to wedding styles, does the length of a dress correspond with the vibe of the wedding? How do you determine the length of the dress based on the formality of the event?
When choosing bridesmaid dresses it is important to consider the location, how formal the wedding will be, and the gown the bride will wear herself. If you are considering a more casual outdoor wedding cotton fabric or even printed fabric might be a great option. You might also mixed a solids with coordinatig prints. For outdoor weddings consider the weather as well. You probably wouldn't want to have the girls wear long sleeves for a beach or summer wedding but during a late fall wedding, sleeves could be just perfect. If you want all your girls to wear silk during your outdoor wedding consider picking a fabrci and letting the girls pick their own style.
For more formal weddings you can choose to go knee length or floor length, but the dresses should probably be a silk or taffeta rather than cotton. If your invitation says black tie, you should really consider floor length dresses for your bridesmaids. For more semi formal weddings we have alot of clients right now dressing up their knee length bridesmaid dresses with crystal brooches and belts that we make in house at Kerried Away. The great thing about adding a touch like this is that it make a fantastic gift from the bride and the girls can actually wear it again later.
Lastly, as you choose bridesmaid dresses you really should consider the brides gown as well. The bridesmaid dresses should never be longer than the brides gown so if a bride doesn't have a train, the bridesmaids shouldn't either. Also, you will want the dresses to compliment the brides gown not match the gown. Whether you know exactly what you want or are just getting started, Kerried Away is always happy to offer suggestions and assistance as brides look for the perfect bridesmaid dresses.
Re-wearable designs! Photo by Joy Chambers Photography
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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.
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Posted by Betsy-Intern |
Filed under: Advice & Planning, Attire - Bridal Gowns, Wedding Dresses & Accessories
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Thursday, April 26, 2012
As a bride with your personal flares and fancies, you can have a one of a kind dress to match your one of a kind love story, beautifully stitched around your style and heart with every detail customized to perfection. Nestled in Hillsboro Village, owner of Romantic Creations, Maria Elena strives to reflect your spirit as a bride from beginning to end in the dress design, creating a magical piece specifically fashioned for your unforgettable moment. After talking with Maria, I quickly found that she combines her captivating passion with her years of expertise and joyfully creates the dream dress that you’ve always envisioned yourself wearing. This woman is enchanting, and each of her dresses reflects her sincere love and radiance for the astounding work she does.
Many years ago, we featured Beth and Ravi's wedding and it became our most popular wedding feature of the year, due to the couple's intimate wedding. But one aspect that fellow brides also loved was Beth's custom bridal gown, a Romantic Creations design. We've been a fan of Maria's since then and jumped at the opportunity to learn more about the talented, gracious woman.
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All Photos: Angela Disrud Photography
Can you tell me a little bit about the background of Romantic Creations?
Maria: I have been in the business of customizing wedding dresses here in Nashville for about 26 years. In 1994, I decided to open up my own store (in Hillsboro Village), putting me in retail for 18 years, now. Romantic Creations has been quite popular since I started out here; it spread by word of mouth with little advertisement, so I’ve found that many Nashville brides love the customizing option. I’ve been designing all my life, and it makes me happy to offer my own collection to brides!
How did you come into the business of designing dresses?
Maria: Well, when I was 5 years old, I started making dresses for my dolls, which I still love to do from time to time. Then when I reached 11, I made my first real dress for myself. I continued and began making dresses for my close friends, too. Then, when I was 15, I made my first dress for a bride—she was a friend of mine and I was a bridesmaid. It’s been the only job I’ve had since. Truly, I have a sincere love for making dresses that’s been present from the beginning. In fact, growing up, I often upset people unintentionally when they wanted my company, because all I really wanted to do was sew and make dresses.
Also, I am originally from Colombia, and in South American culture, it’s tradition for a bride to have nearly everything custom made. While that option is exclusive here in American culture, in Colombia, it is simply an aspect of the event. With that said, when I’m creating wedding dresses, I’m fulfilling part of who I am and part of where I come from.
What’s the most important part of the process for you when a bride is having her wedding dress customized?
I walk the bride through everything, and consider doing that the most important part of my business. It’s her day—her dress. From the time that I sketch the design, to selecting the fabric, to adding details, I am developing a trusting relationship with her.
What type of bride is the customized dress option great for? Do you see commonalities amongst the brides you serve?
Maria: All styles of brides come to me for their dream dress; each with their own distinctive fashion seeking the perfect silhouette that flatters both their form and vision for their big day chooses the customized option. A customize designed gown is perfect for brides who want something that no one else has—something that only they will walk down the aisle wearing, uniquely fashioned for their wedding.
About how much time is required in order to create a customized wedding dress?
Maria: Well, that would depend on the style and fabric. I would say that brides come to me anywhere from a year to three months prior to their wedding.
Is there a price range for your wedding dresses?
Maria: My prices range from $1600 to $5,000 with a guarantee you’ll leave Romantic Creations with the perfect dress.
Can you tell me some of your favorite details you’ve use in your customized wedding dresses?
Maria: Naturally, I always love the romantic styles. I love all things lace, and appreciate the finest fabrics from around world. All of my fabrics are high quality; nothing is synthetic. It’s important to me to let brides breathe in their dresses. I can do both traditional and contemporary dresses, but I always love the dreamy look.
Are there some particular things a bride should know when considering having her wedding dress custom made?
Maria: A bride needs to be sure that she is comfortable with the person she is working with and confident about her selection. When I see a bride who is hesitant about having a dress custom made, I always encourage her to wait a bit longer. Also, I advise brides not to come to me too early, because styles and preferences may change; 1 year is usually the soonest that I recommend and, to trust that I can bring their vision of their dream gown to life. Designing is an art form that I love and I feel privileged to be a part of their wedding celebration.
Romantic Creations is located at 2131 Belcourt Ave, Nashville, TN 37212 in Hillsboro Village. Maria can be reached at 615-292-1535.
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Posted by Betsy-Intern |
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Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Brides have been finding more and more ways to save money while still having the wedding of their dreams. One way that many brides are choosing to cut costs is to buy their wedding dress at a sample sale. You can find a designer dress at a much lower price tag, as long as you are comfortable with the dress possibly being less-than-perfect.
To help you learn what you need to know before considering a pre-owned gown or sample sale, read today's advice from Rhonda Wernick, owner of Nashville's Oakwood Cleaners. Oakwood is the go-to gown care specialist for many of Nashville’s best bridal boutiques.
ABG: Have you seen an increase in brides bringing sample gowns in?
Oakwood Cleaners: We see a plethora of sample gowns. Purchasing a sample is a great way for the bride-to-be to acquire a dress they might not have even looked at before and an effective way for the bridal boutiques to refresh inventory.
ABG: What can brides expect when going to a sample sale?
Oakwood Cleaners: Expect some stains around the arms and the hem where the gowns have made contact with shop floors - the more popular a gown, the dirtier it will be. Watch for tears, snags, and other imperfections that might not be apparent at first glance. Be sure to check all the layers thoroughly to make sure you recognize any existing problems; most will be insignificant, but some might make a difference in cleaning or altering the gown.
ABG: Should stains or tears be cause for concern?
Oakwood Cleaners: Most of it is surface dirt so cleaning it won't cause the gown to lose its luster. These gowns weren't dragged in dirt and aren't as soiled as a gown worn on an actual wedding day - most gowns can be cleaned, modified and altered to hide any signs of damage. Even if a lace gown has a tear, as long as you are aware of what you have purchased, Oakwood (and other experienced gown cleaners) will clean and fix what they can.
A bow on a sample dress that was torn.
ABG: How much can this cost?
Oakwood Cleaners: Cost can vary based on material and layers. The more complicated the gown, the more work that goes into cleaning it. We are more than happy to offer consultations with no obligation so you know how to move forward.
The same sample dress bow, after Oakwood Cleaners fixed it!
ABG: Are there limitations to what can or cannot be fixed? For example, beading or elaborate embroidery on gowns?
Oakwood Cleaners: The gown in these pictures is from a sample sale. In this case, the beadwork is all one piece, so it is easier to clean because we will remove the entire piece, clean the gown, and sew the beading back on. Individual stones set in large prongs on gowns cannot be removed and add to the difficulty of cleaning. Be aware of these details and check with the cleaner you are going to for their opinion.
ABG: How much time should the bride allow between time of purchase, cleaning and alterations?
Oakwood Cleaners: There are two options that brides have when they purchase a dress from a sample sale. First, they can have the dress cleaned and then altered as needed. The other option is to have the modifications and alterations done first, with the cleaning done after the final fitting. To be safe, you should allow 8-12 weeks including tailoring.
ABG: What should brides keep in mind when deciding to purchase a sample gown?
Oakwood Cleaners:
1) First and foremost, you need to know whether the gown can be cleaned. Yes, it almost always can be.
2) You don’t want to buy something that’s more than one size bigger. Altering a gown larger than that can cost more than the gown and also might compromise the way the gown hangs.
3) Ask whether price of the gown includes cleaning or will you have to clean yourself.
4) Ask whether the cleaner specializes in bridal gowns. Know that not every cleaner knows how to clean wedding gowns; there are very few dry cleaners who will take the risk of cleaning something with elaborate work. Oakwood Cleaners uses an environmentally friendly cleaning process that is gentle on delicate fabrics, has no odors and will help insure that your gown looks as good as new.
5) Ask your gown specialist the cost for alterations.
6) Ask yourself if you are willing to trade having a new gown for a good price on a sample gown.
Take Rhonda’s advice and be aware when purchasing a sample gown. Have fun shopping and good luck finding your perfect dress!
All images courtesy of Oakwood Cleaners.
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Posted by Newlywed Sara |
Filed under: Attire - Bridal Gowns, Wedding Dresses & Accessories, DIY & Budget Wed Finds
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