Archive for the ‘Tips for Brides’ Category
The Wedding Guest List Simplified
Wednesday, November 28th, 2012
Share Your Real Wedding @ Advantage Bridal
Sunday, June 24th, 2012
Photo: Peace 4 Art Photography
We are going to try something new on the Advantage Bridal wedding blog by featuring select real weddings! If you would like to share your wedding – the photographs and all the pretty details – contact stacy@apgshops.com. Send your pictures and a brief “story” about what made your wedding special.
We will go through each entry and decide which real weddings to post on our blog and Facebook page. Brides, if you’ve purchased any bridal accessories or wedding accessories on our site, then we want to see. Brides wearing one of our veils, headpieces, wedding shoes, bridal jewelry or other accessory will be considered first.
Of course, we want to know details about the gown, bridesmaids dresses, colors, theme, venue, flowers, decor and anything else you’d like to share. Make sure your wedding photographer will allow you to share these photos (we will give credit). Weddings from the past few months will be considered. Also, if you’re planning a wedding and would like to share photos of a special reception or dinner, feel free to share those too. We are looking for real weddings with unique and creative aspects that can be shared with other brides looking for inspiration.
If you have an inspiration board from your wedding, even better. Send up to 12 photographs of your affair and up to 500 words explaining your event. Please feel free to contact stacy@apgshops.com with any questions you may have. We look forward to seeing DIY weddings, budget weddings, elegant affairs, outdoor venues, modern brides, vintage brides, etc.
It’s All About Me!
Monday, June 11th, 2012Well, at Advantage Bridal, we hope that isn’t your motto while planning your wedding, because it’s really about you and him, and your families and friends. However, we do feel that at least once a day, a bride needs to take a few moments for herself. Take a moment for yourself each day, to clear your mind and oxygenate your body… taking a few deep breaths even while you are sitting at a stoplight in your car will do you more good than you can imagine. Planning a wedding is stressful, and doing it while holding down a full time job or going to school, or both….some brides get so caught up in all of the hustle and bustle that they forget to rest and rejuvenate. Getting enough sleep, eating well and getting some daily exercise will all contribute toward making you a more relaxed bride, and a relaxed bride is a bridesmaid’s dream. You don’t want to lose friendships over planning what should be one of the happiest times of your life, so take time out for you, stay healthy, laugh every day, and remember that what really counts when all is said and done is that you and your groom are married at the end of the day. The little things that go wrong (and you will more than likely experience one or more mishaps!) can become some of your most treasured memories as time marches on. You just have to laugh some of them off and chalk them up to experience. A perfect wedding can actually be quite boring, so embrace the unexpected, and gracefully press forward. If there’s anything we can do to help you plan your big day, let us know!
How A Bride Becomes Bridezilla
Saturday, June 9th, 2012
A bride becomes Bridezilla over time until, one day, she’s so comfortable in her new role she forgets the sweet girlfriend she used to be.
Bridezillas on WeTV makes some brides look not so nice (of course, that’s a sugar-coated statement). Decide what type of bride you want to be during the wedding planning process, and learn to let things go. Why?
Because a bride taking on the persona of giant sea monster named Godzilla is a frightening thought. And you’ll scare those closest to you with the “it’s all about me” attitude that surfaced once the engagement ring was on.
5 tips to avoid becoming Bridezilla:
- Decide to plan a stress-free wedding.
- Forgive and forget.
- Always have back-up options.
- Communicate calmly and honestly.
- Remember, two of you are getting married.
For some brides-to-be, this is easier said than done. If you’re a Type A personality or you simply want things done your way – now, then the road to success might be a little rocky. But it can be done.
Reflect on why you said “yes” to your honey in the first place. Write down your feelings in a journal rather than hash out on others. Exercise: Try yoga, long walks or a gym class to get your mind off the wedding. Vent to a bridesmaid or friend, but don’t overwhelm them.
More important than the planning is the ceremony itself. The vows unite you as husband and wife. Yes, we all want a flawless affair, a memorable event, a to-die-for reception, but don’t you want to marry the man of your dreams more than anything?
Hopefully, the population of Bridezillas will die off over time (figuratively speaking) and the beautiful brides men fell in love with will take their place. That depends on you, of course.
If you’re a bridesmaid or relative of a bridal monster, CNN offers these tips.
Novelist Ayn Rand perhaps unintentionally paid tribute to Bridezilla in this quote: “The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me.”
And that type of thinking is how a bride becomes Bridezilla. . .
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Name Your Price at The Bridal Warehouse
Friday, April 6th, 2012
Photo: The Bridal Warehouse
Is it possible to buy your dream wedding dress at your price? Well, for a limited time it just might be. The Bridal Warehouse is promoting its Name Your Price campaign on any L’Amour couture or in-stock bridal gown.
Simply “Like” The Bridal Warehouse on Facebook and submit an offer. Of course, they have the right to accept or reject any offer so make sure it’s a good one. Chances are, if you submit a fair price for the wedding dress of your dreams, it will be considered and you might get a nice discount, too.
We love wedding contests that help brides save and this one is no exception.
Advantage Bridal holds almost weekly contests on our Facebook page, so check in daily to see what we have in store for you. We often give-away custom rhinestone tank tops and t-shirts for submitting the “best” idea for a rhinestone design. Our one-stop wedding store also sells discount bridal accessories, affordable wedding shoes and cheap wedding favors for budget savvy brides.
Saving for the honeymoon and cutting back on wedding plans? We offer something for every bride and every budget so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
Free Wedding Registry App Streamlines Wedding Planning
Sunday, March 18th, 2012
iList Wedding Registry App
We like the word “free,” especially when we heard brides can download the Wedding Registry app for free on their iPhone, iPad or iPod.
The iList Wedding Registry app is a powerful tool that promises to make the bridal registration process easy, exciting and, yes, even fun.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with wedding planning, but couples can turn around a hectic schedule by downloading the free Wedding Registry App at iListApp.com or itunes.apple.com/app/id453734688?mt=8.
How does it work? Well, thankfully techies make everything super easy for the end user.
The bride- and groom-to-be can visit any store and scan the barcode of any item. The information is collected and categorized in their personal registry, both within the Wedding Registry App and on the companion website. The couple now has a single registry regardless of how many different stores they visit to register.
Once the couple completes their wedding registry, they can notify their guests (either all or a select few). HHI Classic Distributors developed Wedding Registry, Baby Registry and MyList.
One feature is the ability to create and display a personalized wedding invitation by entering their names, a date and time, location, and provide maps for directions.
The user can manage multiple categories, sort items to single or multiple stores, and sort the list by store location addresses. Samples categories include cookware, cutlery, electronics, bakeware, glass and bar, tabletop, home keeping, bedding and bath.
The Wedding Registry app also makes it easy for friends and family to shop by comparing prices of items in the list and finding the store with the lowest price.
The personalized registry can be accessed by friends, family and work colleagues who have an iPhone or iPad or by using a laptop, PC or tablet and connecting to the website which synchronizes with the couple’s registry App. Once someone purchases a gift, they simply place a check by that item on Wedding Registry and others know that gift has been selected.
Shop or register at AdvantageBridal.com, your one-stop shop for everything wedding! From honeymoon bride bikinis to sexy lingerie and from bridal flip flops to couture wedding shoes, Advantage Bridal has something for everyone and every bride. Whether you’re shopping for a unique bridal gift or looking for custom wedding accessories that complement your theme and decor, we’re sure to have the perfect accessories and gifts to make your day a truly memorable celebration.
SnapKnot: Finding the Perfect Wedding Photographer
Tuesday, March 13th, 2012
Photo by Kelly Sauer
Choosing the right wedding photographer is a top priority for couples, since the pictures will become lasting memories. It can be a shot in the dark when on the hunt, but a new wedding photography directory helps streamline the process. Yes, portfolios matter as much as selecting a style that speaks to you. But it’s also important that you pick someone in line with your wants and budget. And since you’re going to spend your big day with the wedding photgrapher, it helps that your personalities are a good match, too.
SnapKnot lets you search for photographers by city and budget. During your online search, you can save favorites to narrow down your top choices. It will help to meet with several people to discuss your wedding plans and make sure you’re on the same page. Look through portfolios beforehand and let the photographer know what images and/or style you like. While referrals from recently married friends should be welcomed, don’t forget that a good match for them might not be a good match for you. Many couples spend a good chunk of their budget on wedding photography, so be sure to select the best one for you.
While we’re on the subject of photos, don’t forget to visit Advantage Bridal to see our selection of photo albums, wedding frames, guest book signature mats and personalized gifts for the bridal party.
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Pre-Wedding Fitness & Nutrition
Monday, March 12th, 2012
For many brides and grooms, too, wedding planning is a reminder to get in shape. Kick starting a pre-wedding fitness routine means you’ll look better walking down the aisle, feel better and reduce stress.
Establish a goal, and give yourself time to achieve it. It’s never too late to squeeze in exercise before the big day. Proper nutrition is also good for glowing skin and shiny tresses. Give yourself 5-10 weeks to set a pre-wedding fitness/nutrition plan.
Crash dieting is never a good idea, experts warn. Instead, focus on reducing body fat and increasing muscle. You don’t want to be a flabby or “skinny fat” bride. Tone up your arms since they’ll likely be prominent in wedding photographs.
Most people can safely lose up to 6 pounds per month but if you have more than 25 pounds to lose, experts suggest starting at least six months before the wedding.
Excercise helps reduce stress during wedding planning, but stress can make losing weight more difficult and even cause weight gain. Stay away from high amounts of sugar, caffeine and comfort foods that will slow progress. Reduce carbs, but don’t go below 1,200 calories a day or you’ll have trouble losing weight.
Focus on both cardio and weight training 3-4 times a week, while adding more fruits, veggies, protein and fiber to your diet.
A healthy diet and fitness plan is a lifestyle change and will benefit you after the wedding. Cravings are easier to handle when you don’t restrict yourself to strict diets or rules. Moderation is key, as long as you can burn it off and don’t overdo it.
While it’s important to watch what you eat, you should also make sure you are eating enough so you have ample energy and don’t lose muscle mass. Don’t forget your daily vitamins and supplements to ensure you are getting nutrients that you may not be getting from food alone.
Congrats to all the brides who have begun their pre-wedding fitness and nutrion plan! We know your hard work will payoff. Visit Advantage Bridal for post workout accessories, such as bridal flip flops, bride hoodies and sweats, and spa wraps and robes. Treat yourself to something special like a day at the spa to unwind!
It’s Time To Unwind
Saturday, March 10th, 2012
Photo: Coastal Living
Wedding planning can be stressful and fun, but we don’t want you to worry over every detail. Why don’t you give someone a task or two to help lessen the load? Think design assistant or right-hand girl – like your maid of honor, who might welcome additional BFF duties, a bridesmaid or the groom’s mom. She can pick up your lipstick or mascara from the makeup counter, act as the go-between for vendors or help with your gift registry. We women love to shop, so why not bring one along with your fiancé or in place of him. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind, just get his advice beforehand and remember you always get gift receipts. Yes, planning a wedding can be fun, but the stress can take its toll on you and we want you to look and feel your best when you parade down the aisle in your magnificent bridal ensemble.
Clear your mind with a nice bath, day at the spa, yoga session, walk on the beach or curled on the couch with some herbal tea and your favorite book or magazine (NO bridal mags). Why not? You’re engaged and you deserve it! Cook a nice candlelit meal for your honey and remember what it was like just to be, without all the craziness. Reflect on why you’re getting married and everything else will take a back seat. Jot those special pre-wedding moments in your journal. Enjoy the here and now.
We all have our own way of unwinding after a long day or busy time in our lives, but sometimes we forget to relax and enjoy the ride. Creating an inspiration board with fabrics, colors and pictures that inspire you can take your mind off the process and get it back to a creative place. There are plenty of online resources, but doing it the old-fashioned, arts-and-crafts way can be a stress reliever. We don’t want you to be remembered as Bridezilla, because brides and apes just don’t mix 
But sugar and spice and everything nice is a lovely combo.
Nationwide Tour of Gowns by Brides Against America
Thursday, January 26th, 2012
Shop designer, couture and gently used bridal gowns for a good cause.
Brides-to-be can find their dream gown for a fraction of the retail cost at the Nationwide Tour of Gowns by Florida-based Brides Against Breast Cancer. Most gown prices range from $99 to $799, including hundreds of new, name brand and designer gowns valued up to $8,000. Exclusive designer and couture gowns valued up to $20,000 are also available at 25% to 75% savings.
Wedding gown sales are an important fund-raising event for Brides Agains Breast Cancer, which hosts more than 40 shows annually.
Gown sales help provide support, education and hope to men and women affected by breast cancer. Worldwide support of designers, manufacturers, bridal shops and individuals who donate a gown make it possible for the organization to hoste the Nationwide Tour of Gowns. Visit the website if interested in donating a wedding dress.
The Nationwide Tour of Gowns continues in Minneapolis March 10-11, Philadelphia March 31-April 1, and Atlanta April 13-15. Admission to the shows is free, although a VIP admission ($20) gives attendees a sneak peak at the gowns during “Power Hour” and the ability to buy first.
To date, the Brides Against Breast Cancer program has received more than 50,000 wedding gown donations, with an estimated resale value of more than $4 million. More than 70% of proceeds go directly to the services providing support, education and hope for those impacted by cancer.
Breast cancer awareness is an issue close to us at Advantage Bridal, where we understand firsthand how this diagnosis can impact one’s life. We donate a large percentage of proceeds of Pink Ribbon apparel and accessories, Fight Like A Girl shirts, Save the TaTas tanks, and breast cancer awareness apparel. Raise support in style with a personalized tank or tees that reads, “Survivor,” “Restored,” “Tough Chick” or “Hope.” Together, we can all do our part to help fight this deadly disease.
