Where does my wedding gown come from? Well, this sweet delivery most certainly doesn’t come from a stork! That’s for certain.
We have many of our brides ask this question and we are happy to answer.
Today, most wedding gowns are produced in China. Typically, a designer will sketch her creation and send over the sketch to China with instructions. China will review the sketch and reconfirm with the designer their ideas. China will then make a mock of the sketched drawing and when ready invite the designer to come to China to pick or modify design, materials to be used and construction. Each design gets scrutinized extensively as they are looking to create a design that is a winner. Once a gown goes through the modifying process and the designer is happy with the final look and functionality the gown is then marketed to retailers like our store, A. Bridal Co. & Formal, through bridal shows. The designer is hopeful that her designs are appealing to stores and the more stores that buy, the better chances are that the dress will be reordered.
So let’s say the store was so intrigued with the design that felt that it would sell in their demographic that they placed an order for that design. The gown is now ready to be reordered. A bride will place her order with the store and will have to await delivery. Delivery times differ from one Chinese manufacturer to another but typically it will take anywhere from 24 to 26 weeks (6 to 6 1/2 months) for arrival.
Here is the breakdown of the process:
Order is placed by the store;
Vendor reviews the order before sending the work order to China;
China receives in from other countries all the materials (IE laces, boning, horsehair, overlays) needed to create the gown;
Gown now goes into production;
Gown is inspected and packed ready to ship;
Shipping documentation is prepared and gown is loaded into a truck headed towards the dock;
Documents are reviewed and gown is then brought to loading dock;
Gown is crated and loaded into a hauling container;
The hauling container is then loaded onto a shipping tanker;
The shipping tanker travels 30 days overseas to its destination;
Each hauling container is inspected for cargo and it can take up to two weeks to clear customs;
Once cleared the vendor delivers it order to the warehouse;
Each gown order is sorted and packed for shipping to the retailer;
Shipping documents are prepared and a local shipper like UPS or Federal Express;
The gown travels to the store and is received in;
The store inspects the gown, steams and presses and when complete calls the client about receipt of their special delivery.
The process above is what the factory, the vendor and the store hope happens smoothly.
There are times when there are delays. It could be that the factory is awaiting trim from India or other components needed to complete a dress that come from other countries. Other times the factory is shut down for a whole month because of Chinese New Year (February)! If there are delays it will trickle down to delays in receiving the dress.
In the bridal industry we rely heavily on China and other countries that contribute to making a dress. Weather conditions can affect delivery of a gown as well. But because vendors and their designers try to keep costs as low as possible we are subjected to longer wait times.
So be smart and order early to allow yourself ample amount of time to get the gown of your dreams.
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.
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.
