Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Brides are taking over! I love all of the new shows devoted to brides and weddings. The show airs on TLC and according to TLC, “Say Yes to the Dress reveals the inner workings of the world’s premier bridal salon, Kleinfeld Bridal. Part fashion show, part bridal story, part family therapy, we uncover the hurdles every staff member faces to make each bride completely satisfied on what may be the single most important day of their lives.” The show is fairly entertaining, especially when the sales manager steps in to save the sale.

Check out the show’s website, which offers bridal gown Q&A and expert advice. The show is based on Kleinfeld, “the bridal salon” in NY (Nashville brides - we have our own fantabulous salons). Their site is also a very helpful resource when getting smart before purchasing your bridal gown.

Friday, October 19, 2007

Coupon Alert! White House Black Market

Still searching for your bridal gown or bridesmaid dresses? I found a great White House Black Market coupon for $25 off a purchase of $125 or more. The coupon can be used online, in stores or via phone. The coupon expires 12.1.07. You can find the coupon in the latest Oprah magazine, the one with the gold glitter on the cover. I was so excited when I saw it that I ripped it out and cant remember which pages it was between. But I am sure you can find it in no time. Snatch up a few from the newstand (magazines that is - wouldnt condone taking the coupon out of the magazine and leaving it in the store:) If you plan to use the coupon online or for a phone order - you’ll need to provide two codes.

The two dresses in today’s blog are currently available at WHBM. Cute right? Personally, I have not found WHBM to offer the best customer service. I have visited their Cool Springs and Green Hills locations. But, to save a few bucks, I’d give them another try:) Better yet - just shop online where there is never a line or a nasty salesperson.

Here’s what you need for phone or web purchases - free shipping code: 8474 & $25 off $125 code: 8458. Coupon expires 12/07.

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Finding someone to alter my bridal gown was one difficult task. Since I bought my wedding dress at a bridal discount retailer (Low’s Bridal in Arkansas), it was a challenge to find someone local who was capable and willing to alter a dress that wasn’t purchased from them. Places like David’s Bridal would only alter their dresses. Other places, like Arzelle’s, would alter but only during non-peak times.

So, as you consider alterations, I have put together a list of Nashville vendors to help you get started. Allow significant time to meet the person who will do your alterations, ask a lot of questions, check the Better Business Bureau and make sure you are comfortable before turning over your fabulous dress.

A few options for the Nashville bride:
Here is info-at-glance for 8 vendors. There are many others available but I hope my list saves you some time.

Nicholson Cleaners / Linda
(615) 228-4332
419 Gallatin Ave, Nashville
Business or individual: Business
Years in business: 11
Specialize in bridal gowns: Yes
Appointment needed: Preferred
Hours: 7a-6p M-F, 8a-3p Sat
Avg rates: Vary
Referred by: Bride
Recommended lead time: 6-8 weeks
Comments: Can restore, clean, steam, preserve your dress; seems very knowledgeable, personable and passionate about taking ultimate care of your dress. Also able to deliver your steam dress (including bridesmaids) to your wedding so none are wrinkled. (Deliver for Nashville metro area only.) One recent bride raved about Linda’s work.

Village Bridal / Elizabeth and Nina
(615) 383-8896
1814 21st Ave S, Nashville
Specialize in bridal gowns? Yes
Business or individual: Business
Years in business? 11 years
Appt needed: Yes
Hours: 10a-6p M-F
Referred by: Bride
Recommend lead time? At least 5-6 weeks
Avg rates: $200-250, some higher based on intricacy
Comments: VB altered my gown, my mother’s dress and my maid of honor’s dress. She did a fantastic job on all three. I appreciate Elizabeth’s no nonsense and candid approach. If your dress doesn’t flatter you, she will let you know. But, when she alters your dress, she will make you look good:) She also carries gowns, dresses for mom. (My mom purchased her MOB dress at VB.)

Nandwani’s Custom Tailors / Rita
(615)370-4210
7016 Church Street E, Brentwood
Specialize in bridal gowns: Yes
Business or individual: Business
Years in business? 32 years
Appt needed: Preferred
Hours: 9a-5p M-F, 10a-3p; after hours by appt
Referred by: bride or vendor? Bride
Recommend lead time? 7-10 days
Avg rates: Vary
Comments: Very friendly

Becky’s Alterations / Becky

(615) 867-3648

1003 Memorial Blvd, Murfreesboro
Specialize in bridal gowns? Yes
Business or individual: Business
Years in business? 30
Appt needed: Preferred
Hours: 10a-5p M-F, 10a - 4p Sat
Referred by: Bride
Recommend lead time? 1 month but do rush requests
Avg rates: Vary

Grandma’s Sewing and Quilting / Penny
(615) 449-0706124 N College St, Lebanon
Specialize in bridal gowns? Penny does a lot of wedding gowns
Business or individual: Business
Appt needed: No; just call to confirm hours
Hours: hours vary
Referred by: Bride
Recommend lead time? No more than 4 weeks
Avg rates: Varies
Comments: Very down-home and genuine. As a recent bride, Penny understands the stress of wedding planning and works hard to help brides save money.

Alterations Unlimited / Jenny
628 Hill Rd, Brentwood

(615)373-0000
Specialize in bridal gowns? Yes
Business or individual: Individual
Years in business? 15 years
Appt needed: Yes
Hours: By appt
Referred by: Arzelle’s
Recommend lead time? 1 month peak; 1 week non-peak
Avg rates: Vary
Comments: If you buy your dress from Arzelle’s, they can alter your dress. However, during peak season, they refer brides to Jenny. She also makes custom designed dresses for brides, mother of bride, bridesmaids, etc.

The White Room / Pu
340 S Cumberland St, Lebanon

(615)449-9756 to contact The White Room
(931)808-3881 to contact Pu directly
Referred by: The White Room
Comments: The White Room works with an outside seamstress to alter the dresses of their brides and outside brides. Pu serves brides at The White Room on Tuesday and Saturdays. Her hours vary and are appointment.

Lee’s Alterations / Suki
Franklin

(615)591-0988
Referred by: Bridal Gallery and Chapel
Comments: Bridal Gallery does not alter dresses purchased outside their store. However, they refer brides to Suki.