Making a gown decision is big, really big.  Most brides feel a bit overwhelmed to choose a gown and a veil and a bracelet and a hairpiece and a hair flower all in one appointment…get the picture?  We like to focus on a dual first fitting/accessory appointment.  By this time, you have had time to think through your “look”.  You have decided if you prefer a stud earring over a chandelier, you have decided if you will wear a hair piece under your veil or just for the reception…so many decisions!   Here is a little guide to choosing accessories.  Some of these will make you smile or even laugh out loud…these come from our real world bridal accessory appointments and hope that they will be helpful!

1.  You Are Not a Christmas Tree:  Sometimes brides get so excited about all the beautiful sparkle that they will keep adding…every location on the body that can hold a piece of sparkle (that is visable on wedding day of course) is probably not wise…choose a tasteful combination.

2.  Statement Necklace:  If you are wearing a statement necklace, keep the rest of your accessories simple!

3.  Incorporate a Family Piece:  We have talented artisans who can take a family piece and incorporate it into your jewelry choices.  A special piece created for your day that can be passed down for generations.

4.  Wear a Bracelet:   If the skirt of your gown is simple, you can handle a great bracelet, a pretty detail when you are standing with your hands down and photographs beautifully.

5.  Bridal Belt:  Several seasons ago, bridal belts did not exist.  The belts were sewn onto the gowns and chosen by the designers.  Today, we have more belt options than we can count.  Some of the tiny beaded belts can even be used as hair jewels or headbands.  Belts accentuate the waist and can add color to your final look.

Haute Bride Couture

Around here, we want to shout a huge “WELCOME” to spring.  Gone are the days of wearing warm clothes from head to toe.  We are excited for maxi dress and sandal weather…speaking of maxi dresses, lets take a peek at a group of fun finds that scream spring and that could be chosen for a spring affair.  Ahhh…if only the 75 degree weather would stick around for good!  Do you think we are in the clear for warm weather here on out…we sure hope so!

Southern Beaus

A Southern Bucket

Sweet Bennett

Pink Door

We have had numerous requests for purposeful, stylish, non-matronly options for covering shoulders and arms for the ceremony.  This gets tricky- some boleros, capes, and jackets can be boxy, shoulder-paddish looking, gapping in all the wrong places, cover too much of the goods and just simply do not work.  We put one of our designers to the test and they over delivered.  You name the shape, we now have a sample for you to try.  We just received several gorgeous pieces that honestly- could not be more perfect!  Can’t wait to share these with you. Do you plan to cover your shoulders and if so, do you have an appointment at HOB in the next few weeks- we hope so!

Preparing for your bridal appointment?  We know- you want to know what to bring and how to prepare, right?  We have been doing this for almost 5 years now and have learned a few dos and donts to make your gown experience top notch!  We are going to share some dos with you today, all hopefully helpful and will assist in helping you to have the most enjoyable experience possible!

Do’s of Bridal Gown Shopping:

1.  Don’t Sweat your Arrival.  Give yourself some time to find the boutique/store.  Parking may be close to the store or you may have to grab a space in a parking garage.  If you are 2 minutes late- its ok!  Upon arrival, use the potty, grab a water, settle your belongings and take a deep breath!  It will be fun, promise!

2.  Wear tan or Nude.  There is no way around it, you will see dark color undies under these gorgeous gowns.  It will throw you off and make you wish over and over that you thought more about your undergarment choices for the day!

3.  Leave the Outspoken Friend at Home.  Don’t get us wrong, we love friends.  HOWEVER, you do not need an outspoken friend who wants to check in on every gown- this is your day and often your day with the few whose opinions matter the most!

4.  Go with it! If the consultant offers you a bra, take it!  If she has a suggestion, listen.  These consultants are trained and very knowledgable.  Go with it!  Let them make suggestions, let them zip you and clip you and do all of the leg work.  Its what they are there for and its what they love to do.

5.  Know your Gown Budget.  Save yourself and the consultant the misery of trying on gowns that are out of your budget and then falling in love and feeling stuck!  Know your budget, share your budget and try gowns on within the range!  You will be very happy that you did!

6.  Eat before you Arrive!  They do not have medics on staff and its best that you do not pass out on this special day!

7.  Say Yes!  If you love the shop, love your consultant, like the price, LOVE the gown and have no reason to keep on shopping then say yes to that dress.  We find that bride who try on upwards of 20+ gowns get confused and frustrated with the gown process.  If all the pieces fit, say yes!  You will be so glad to move on to other details of your big day!

8.  Snap a FEW.  Snap a few shots of your favorite gowns if the shop allows.  Perhaps a few shots is sufficient!  100 pictures from your shopping trip is not needed and will just fill up your Iphone gallery!

9.  Take in the Moment.  You are getting married!  Take it all in- try on a princess ball gown!  Take a picture with your favorite people!  Smile- its not that bad!!  Enjoy the process and make some great memories.

10.  Accessory Appointment Needed.  A lofty goal would be to choose your gown AND all accessories in one appointment. Often it takes a second accessory appointment to pull your entire look together.  Breathe- choose the gown first and then let the rest of the details fall into place!

 Photo: Apple Brides

I often wonder how brides “keep it all together?”  Almost 8 years ago, I had a large white 3 ring binder that I would “haul” to all of my vendor meetings and appointments.  Now days, its an iPad, iPad mini or iPhone that holds all of the important details together and in one place.  Where do you keep all of your planning details?  Are you sticking to a bridal budget and tracking?  Have you allotted an amount for your gown?  Have you chosen all of your vendors and saved their information?  Here are 3 bridal apps that we found to be noteworthy!

1.  The Knot Ultimate Wedding Planner

2.  BRIDES Wedding Genius

3.  The Wedding Row

When you slip into a gown at Hayden Olivia you will feel a cool soft silk against your skin.  Many brides comment on softness, comfiness…etc.  ”Why?” you ask.  Almost 100% of the gowns carried in our gallery are made here in the USA and are made of 100% fabrics.  Most gowns in the bridal world these days are mass produced overseas.  We are honored to support the designers who are designing, creating, manufacturing, sewing and living right here on our soil!  Here is a quick one minute guide to fabrics and what you might find here at Hayden Olivia.  Do you know the difference between Mikado and Taffeta?

  Lace

There are three popular types of lace being used in bridal today.  French Aloncon, Chantilly and Guipure.  Aloncon has a cording and is sturdy, Chantilly is flat, soft and loose and Guipure is thick, heavier and has more structure.

Satin

Satin is made from silk and has one shiny face.  You have heard of silk satin, duchess satin and bridal satin.

Silk Chiffon

Chiffon is often layered or ruched on a gown and is described as soft and transparent.  Chiffon is one of the lightest weight fabrics to wear in bridal.

Silk Charmeuse

Charmeuse is very light weight, clings to the body and is know to give brides a very fitted, hourglass shape.

Silk Mikado

Mikado is a slim blend that is heavier than pure silk and has more weight and structure.  Mikado has a sheen and the face of the fabric has a pick or line pattern showcasing the blend of fabrics.

Silk Organza

Organza (one of our favorites) is lightweight and has lots of movements.  Organza is perfect for warm weather events and is often ruched or hand draped to give a billowy look.

Silk Taffeta

Taffeta is slightly ribbed or has silk markings.  Taffeta is often rushed or gathered and known for holding its shape.

Tulle

2 words…princess ballgown! Tulle is less expensive as many of the other fabrics.  It is frilly and girly- like the tutu you wore as a young girl.  Perfect for a bride who wants to make a statement, wants a dramatic effect or has a large venue.

We hope that you had a very Merry Christmas!  As the new year approaches and you begin to think about your festive new years attire, we started to prepare for the new year with a little sparkly inspiration.  We have had several fittings of the last several weeks and most brides are loving the beaded belts.  Do you plan to add a bit of grand sparkle to your wedding day attire?  Do tell!

greenweddingshoes.com

weddingdresses.com

100layercake

Where is time going?  December is flying by, tons of gown arrivals and new sample gowns arriving…Its a wonderful time of year!

We are celebrating two gorgeous collections this weekend, Anne Barge and Tara Keely.  If gown shopping is on your agenda this weekend, make sure that an appointment at HOB is on your list!  We will do out best to find an appointment time for you!

Now onto a little bit of winter inspiration!  I always dreamed of a winter wedding…are you getting married this month?  Do you plan to wear a fur?  Do share!

100layercake.com

castlemanor.blogspot.com

bride.net

corbingurkin.com

We want to take a moment to wish you and your families a Happy Thanksgiving.  We also want to thank  our dear brides- we have the absolute best customers and for that, we are so thankful.  We are excited to work with so many of you in the new year- thank you for entrusting us with your gown!

Here is a little Fall time inspiration- what will your bouquet look like?  Happy Thanksgiving Ladies!

Ruffledblog.com

graylikesweddings.com

Our fur shrugs, jackets and boleros have been flying off the rack!  They are stylish and a great solution to the worry of being cold for your winter soiree.  Here are a few photos from around the web that scream winter wedding- I am originally from Colorado and always dreamed of a winter affair- my reality was drastically different, Charleston in June!  Dreaming and getting lost in the prettiness with you this morning!

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