Alterations included. What it means when buying a wedding gown and Pros & Cons of this option.
It sounds like the deal of a lifetime. You find your dress and the consultant says that alterations are included in the price. “Wow!”, you say. But does that “Wow!” benefit you or the store?
Let’s consider the Pro’s & Con’s of this option.
Pro’s:
1. You can get your alterations done in-house.
It is likely that the seamstress has worked on this gown style before and is pretty knowledgeable on it’s construction and character.
2. You know exactly what the alteration cost will be beforehand.
You are able to budget for the total amount of the gown before placing your order which allows for better financial organization overall.
Con’s:
1. When alterations are not the store’s strong point.
This can make for a big problem. Often times because the alterations are included the seamstress’s focus is to just get the work out as quickly as possible. Shortcuts are then taken as there is only so much the seamstress will get paid for the job and will choose a shortcut verses taking her time working on a more difficult alteration.
2. Overpaying for alterations that are not needed.
When alterations are included in the price of a gown you must wonder what the store pads (allows for) as far as how many alterations it may need. In other words you may be paying for alterations you don’t need. But because alterations are “all inclusive” you’ll pay a flat rate whether you need what was alotted for or not. If you are thinking that the store will reduce the price, reimburse, or provide you with some sort of credit for the unused portion of the alterations, think again. The store will be quick to let you know during that conversation that it’s not an option. This is where you end up paying more for something you don’t need.
So financially speaking the smartest option when arranging to have your gown altered is to pay for just what you need or in other words “a la carte.” You’ll know exactly what you are paying for and nothing more.
If you feel that “alterations included” better prepares you for your bottom line then that might be the smartest option for your circumstance.
Either way alterations are never FREE. It’s just not possible. You are paying for them as seamstresses do not work for FREE.
Hope these helps you understand the differences.
Having a Summer wedding and need help choosing a color scheme? Here are the newest ideas for color combinations.
So he popped the question and you glady accepted? All the excitement turns into nervousness once the planning begins. Aside from the perfect dress and venue, the color scheme is the next most important part of the wedding planning. Summer weddings yield great opportunity for color selection. Here are 10 color scheme ideas for your beautiful summer wedding.
10. Pink and Green: This color combination is a great one for an outdoor wedding since your surroundings will already give you many shades of green. Pink adds a fun aspect to the combination while still keeping it very sophisticated. Combining pink with a dark green will pull your outdoor wedding into your venue.
9. Pink and Yellow: This color combination is also great for an outdoor wedding. Both colors can be used in many aspects of table decoration without it being overdone. Either color can be the main color or the accent.
8. Light Grey and Pink: This color combination is great for an indoor wedding. Grey is such an elegant color and will add such a great deal of sophistication to your wedding. Pale pink works so well with grey as well as silver. The colors can be interchangeable as the main color or the accent.
7. Blue and White: This color combination is great for both indoor and outdoor weddings. Using bright, tropical blues will really give your wedding a summer feel. It also creates a calm, vacation atmosphere no matter where your wedding is held. The color white will help to tone down the vibrant blues.
6. Yellow and Blue: This color combination is seen by many as a daring combination because both colors are so vibrant, but they create such awe when seen. These colors are very interchangeable can used in many shades.
5. Red, Black and White: Many would think black is more of a winter color, but when used with red and white it creates a fun , classic feel. If you use black and white as your main colors and accent pieces with red, you will have guests remembering your stylish wedding for forever.
4. Coral and Grey: This color combination creates such a beach vibe without being too obvious. Coral really brightens up any room, while grey keeps it classy.
3. Orange and Yellow: This combination is ideal for summer weddings. Whether your wedding is indoors or outdoors, these colors will really give off a sunny vibe. You can make your centerpieces out of other objects that are yellow and orange, such as fruits.
2. Shades of One Color: This is a great way to keep your wedding chic and cohesive. Pick a shade of your favorite color as your main color and create accents from different shades of that color.
1. Neutral Colors: Neutral colors go with eveyrthing and will create an elegant connection between your ceremony site as well as where you have your reception. Using flowers and fabrics with textures will help to create a greater style to your color palette.
Interested in which designer Kate Middleton will be wearing down the aisle in Westminster Abbey? Check this out!
http://bit.ly/ijtp2c
Having Engagement pictures taken and not sure what to wear? Check out this article for some help.
Here is a link that will help you decide your option
http://aol.it/gdEi4P
Chinese Labor Shortage Affecting US Brides
Dear Bride to be,
As we feel it a necessary responsibility of all bridal stores to keep their clientele abreast of the latest on goings overseas we are providing you with most recent notification we have received from our vendors.
Please read below.
We strongly suggest that if you have intentions of purchasing a Robin Jillian private label gown or for that matter any of the other lines we carry that you contact our store to make arrangements to get measured and place your deposits in order to secure current pricing. We sorry to say that we absolutely can not make any exceptions if you do not secure your order before August 1st, 2010.
Lastly, as a friendly reminder and to those brides who have recently visited our store, there is now a 26 week wait for special order gowns. The manufactures we currently represent in the store have suspended rush orders until further notice.
Therefore, with the provided information we ask that you plan accordingly.
P.S. Shoes and headpieces are also being affected (since all are made in the same region in China).
Thank you for your time.
With sincerest regards,
Christina & Staff
A. Bridal Co.
828 State Route 15 South
Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849
973-601-7272
www.abridalco.com
WHAT IS HAPPENING IN CHINA?
Have you noticed that dresses are arriving late and you can’t get a good answer?
Have you noticed that many manufacturers are dropping rush orders?
I think the attached article from the NY Times will answer all your questions.
“The other new reality, perhaps harder to quantify, is this: young Chinese factory workers, raised in a country with rapidly rising expectations, are less willing to toil for hours for appallingly low wages like dutiful automatons.”
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/27/business/global/27yuan.html?_r=1
http://www.portfolio.com/views/blogs/daily-brief/2010/05/04/chinese-labor-shortage-us-problems
And you can expect prices to go up.
Here is a letter from the manufacturer announcing a price hike. Letters like this one are being sent out by all wedding gown vendors including names like Maggie Sottero, Casablanca, Allure, Melissa Sweet, House of Wu and Private Label by G.
July 6, 2010
To our dear and valued customers,
Due to the recent labor crisis in China and the devaluation of foreign currencies against the Chinese Yuan, our factory finds it necessary to increase the price to cover the increase in production costs.
Please be advised effective August 1, 2010 there will be a 20%-30% price increase across the board on all current styles prior to Spring 2011. Please also be advised that all Silk Dupioni fabric will be increased 85% due to weather conditions in India and China.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Sincerely,
Robin Jillian Customer Service
Choosing a theme or overall vision for one’s wedding
Ever Wonder what’s Under the DRESS!! Check out this article.
Ever wonder what it takes to get that smooth look? Want a fuller skirt? Need to lift and separate? Check out the link below for some interesting finds.
PICKING THE RIGHT PROM DRESS
What exactly is Prom? The definition might vary depending on who you talk to. There is no official History of Prom, but there are many tales, beliefs and traditions surrounding the practice which can be shared.
For some prom is a night that girls prepare for their entire high school year, waiting for that special moment when they can shop for formal prom dresses and show off their gorgeous attire at the dance that honors their high school career.
Prom is a formal dance that can be held anywhere from a school gym to a fancy hotel. Usually a DJ is hired, and juniors and seniors are invited to spend the night dancing and celebrating (though many believe that prom night should be officially reserved for seniors).
Some girls have described their prom night as their chance to be Cinderella. This is due in part to the heavy emphasis that is placed on wearing elegant gowns and fancy hair.
Some will assert that prom is a celebration of the year and the moment marking a young adult’s transformation from high school to a life of adulthood.
Whether prom is a night to remember or just a dance, it does require a little preparation. One thing that is certain, choosing a prom gown requires a little thought and planning.
Buying Prom Dresses Online
Buying prom dresses online is one of the easiest and least time consuming ways to shop. It is also a lot of fun, because you get to check out hundreds more varieties than you would if you were shopping in a traditional store.
Online shopping also offers a wider variety of selections in one handy place. You can purchase cheap prom dresses, a designer prom dress, a discount prom dress, plus size prom dress and formal prom dresses easily just through the click of a button.
You can even shop for a designer prom dress or a discount prom dress in the same place! You can usually even find special occasion dresses (so you don’t need to shop for a graduation dress at a later date) at the same time you are shopping for prom dresses online, because they’re often sold together.
Whether you’re looking for cheap prom dresses or designer ones, there are several things you should keep in mind to ensure you pick the perfect gown.
Body Type
Body type is an important consideration when shopping for an online prom dress. In fact some might say that this is THE most important consideration when shopping. You definitely want to select a dress that matches your body type. Don’t pick a dress just because it looks good on the model displaying it on the net. Why? You probably have a different body type than she does. You should choose a gown that will play up your best features.
Consider your body. It is curvy? An hourglass shape often (characterized by a large bust, small waste and curvy hips) is one common body type. Maybe it’s boyish (straighter waist, narrow hips and smaller bust). Are you round all over? Perhaps you are pear shaped (larger on the bottom than on the top). Take a minute to check out your body and decide on the shape. Then you can choose a dress that will flatter it.
Here are some prom dress selections for different body types:
Hourglass – Hourglass figures are lucky, they usually look good in almost anything. Consider strapless or halter top dresses, those with sashes and cinched waists.
Straight – If you have a boyish figure, you’ll want to try avoiding body hugging dresses that might emphasize your squarer figure. Try an A-line dress that is slightly fitted which will help add volume and curves. Open shoulders are a good option. Consider a dress with a flared skirt.
Rounded – For rounder figured women there are many flattering dresses. Consider ones with a drop waist and low neckline. A low neckline helps enhance the bust and the drop waist lengthens your torso. An empire cut dress is also flattering because it lengthens the body and figure overall. You might try pairing this with a slightly flared skirt.
Pear Shaped – A-line dresses that are straight cut and empire waists are good selections for this body shape, because they lengthen the legs and torso, giving the appearance of balance and height.
Sizing
How do you know what size to buy? Size is actually a big problem for many women. The closer to your actual size you get the less likely you’ll need alterations. That said keep in mind that manufacturers sizes vary. You may be a size 10 normally, but that may be an 8 in some dresses and a 12 in others. So how do you know which to buy? Fortunately almost all dresses listed online will have a manufacturers sizing chart handy!! You can figure out your size by taking your bust, waist and hip measurements. Then match up your measurements with those on the chart and you’ll have your size!
What if the size you are doesn’t match the manufacturers chart? Let’s say your bust is a 38 which is a size 10 but your waist is equal to a size 6. Which do you buy? Always go with the measurement that is largest. It is easy to take away fabric when altering a dress, but not so easy to add on if you buy a size that is too small.
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