Here Comes the Mother of the Bride

Oops. I'm a day late! I meant to post this yesterday, but I was busy spending time with my wonderful momma.. Anyway, in honor of Mother's Day I wanted to post a few adorable mother of the bride dresses. Finding a cute and appropriate MOB dress can be more difficult than finding the wedding gown. Today I'm featuring looks from Sarah Danielle, Caterina, Siri, and Val Stefani. I hope all of you moms had a wonderful day yesterday, you deserve it!

 

Ask Meg

I have had so many readers send me questions about these darling shoes from my Mellow Yellow post in December.

While the originals are discontinued, I can help you find an almost identical look.

First, get this pair of Benjamin Walk shoes called Flash. If the heel is to high, they have a few very similar options with less height. 

Then head over to my favorite website, Etsy, and get these perfect yellow shoe clips. You have the a very similar look for a fraction of the price! 

For more questions, e-mail me at matrimonialmeg@gmail.com

Drive By Post

I'm watching the Grammy's as I type, so I don't have time for a full fledged post. I was browsing my favorite website, Mod Cloth, drooling over their dresses, and I found this gorgeous gown that I had to put on here. Perfect for a small wedding or rehearsal dinner, no?

Countdown to Valentine's Day

I can't wait until Valentine's Day-- though probably not for the same reasons you're thinking (although I am looking forward to spending some quality time with my main squeeze.. :-P) What I can't wait for is the unveiling of BHLDN.

Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters teamed up together for a line of wedding gowns and you can view them starting February 14th.

These won't be your typical Maggie Sottero's. They will be much more vintage inspired, with hand made detailing. The dresses will be less perfect and therefor more unique and Bohemian.

Here's a little teaser of what is to come!

Looking for Shoes?

Anyone who knows me in real life knows that I love shoes! I was that girl that pranced around my three story high school in four inch heels. So if anyone understands a bride's need for amazing shoes on her wedding day, it's me.

While reading a magazine, I came across a snippet about this website-- and I'm hooked. My Shoes is a search engine for shoes. You can browse by color, heel height, price, details, brands, and style. If you find a shoe you like, they then direct you to where on the web you can find it, what details you need to know about shipping and returns, and if there are any coupon codes available.

For those of you having trouble finding the perfect pair of 3-inch satin D'Orsay pumps, look no further.

I, for one, am going to have to put away the credit card and step away from the beautiful shoes!

Sample Sales

Whether you're getting married in a time crunch, have champagne taste on a beer budget, or need an inexpensive dress for a trash the dress photoshoot, sample sales are the place for you to shop.

Many boutiques have sample sales once or twice a year to make room for new merchandise and get rid of discontinued styles. Be on the lookout on facebook, in newspaper or radio ads, or at bridal fairs.

When you are shopping for a sample gown, you need to look out for a few things. Minor stains are one thing, but avoid dresses that are discolored. A lot of small flaws, like loose beading or a few missing buttons are one thing, gaping holes are another. Be sure to shop close to your size. A size 12 cannot be altered to a size 2, the proportions will just be off.

At most sample sales all sales will be final. Most will also allow only cash or credit-- don't bring a check. Also, be aware that you will more than likely have to purchase the dress at the full price and leave with it. Many stores that offer credit programs for regular orders will not do so for sample sales.

You can find some stellar dresses at awesome prices, they are 100% worth checking out. The Bridal Boutique in Norman, Oklahoma is starting one tomorrow. There's quite the selection, with incredible prices-- I highly suggest going! As I hear of any other sample sales throughout the area, I'll be sure to update you, my readers!

Fit For a Queen

Over the weekend, I went to see The King's Speech and I must tell you it was phenomenal. Helena Bonham Carter looks gorgeous throughout the entire movie, and her accessories were to die for. She plays the Queen consort to Colin Firth's King George VI during the 1930's and the costuming department did an excellent job in the film.

Afterward I began perusing the internet, looking for some Queen Elizabeth inspired adornments for brides, and I'm sharing my findings with you.

First up, this incredible Edward Berger lace pill box hat with a Russian netting accent would be unforgettable.

Shopjaxie on Etsy is a great store to look for veils and headpieces. I am drooling over this gorgeous birdcage veil. 

Vintage gloves would add a touch of glam to any ensemble inspired from days past. I love these lace gloves from the 1950's, also found on etsy.

Another fabulous find is this pair of fingerless gloves from the 1950's. Could they be any cuter?

Now, to finish off the look, you would definitely need several strands of layered pearls. Blue Nile has great prices for the real deal, like this triple strand of baroque pearls for $185. 

With all of these accessories, I think the dress should be a little simpler, and probably short. If you can't find a true vintage gown, look into an ivory or white bridesmaids dress, such as this one from Jordan.

As you walk down the aisle, dressed absolutely to perfection, you're sure to make your groom stammer. 

The Winter Bride is Typified by Christmas, Frost and Fairies

The lovely Benita R Cloward graciously allowed me to use her pictures for today's post. She is a talented and genuinely kind photographer based in Norman, Oklahoma. A few weeks ago, she did a photo shoot for the Bridal Couture Girls, a bridal accessory company from Tulsa, Oklahoma. You can find their drop-dead gorgeous hair pieces, belts, and jewelry here. The results of this shoot are breathtaking.

For those of you that didn't get my title... Shame on you!! Now, you must watch this.

Busy, Busy, Busy

Sorry, dear readers, I've been a bit busy. My older sister, Katie, got married on Saturday in Fort Worth, Texas to a wonderful man named Chase. It was a spectacular event to be a part of and I promise to give you a big recap soon, as well as pictures and some tips for your big day. I learned a whole host of new things that I can't wait to share! I may be biased, but I think she looked SMASHING! To read Katie and Chase's wedding announcement, please go here.

Happy holidays everyone, I hope you and yours really enjoy the next few days!

Photo courtesy of Mike Lewis Photography

Tips for Finding the Perfect Dress

You've just gotten engaged, you picked a date and a venue, and now it's time to gather up your friends and family to start looking at dresses. I've worked as a bridal consultant, and I have several tidbits of information to share with you, hopefully to make it easier.


Start shopping early! Wedding gowns take anywhere from 4-6 months to come in, so it's recommended to order 8 months ahead of your wedding day. You will want time for alterations and if you're planning on having bridal portraits made you'll need time for that too. If you wait too late you may have to pay a rush fee to get your gown in time, and why throw away $100 if you don't have to? If you are already past the 4 month mark, start searching for sample sales.

Make appointments and keep them. Most salons are by appointment only, so that they can give you the correct amount of attention. If you have made an appointment and cannot make it, either cancel or reschedule. It's rude to take a time slot and not show up, particularly on busy days such as Saturday.


Look online or through magazines to get a handle on what type of dress you like. Are you mad for ball gowns or do you see yourself in a slinky sheath? Please, please, please keep in mind to only use this as a tool for ideas for a dress, don't attempt to find THE dress through Maggie Sottero's website. You may never find that dress at any store and you will drive yourself crazy. I don't ever suggest ordering a gown that you have not had on your body. The models for those gowns are 5'10 and weigh 100 pounds so unless you're built identically, the dresses will look completely different on you. Once you have a few ideas swirling in your head, either print them out or tear them out to bring with you as you shop. Pictures are worth a thousand words and will help your sales associate get inside your head.

Have a budget before going in. You don't want to leave your budget open ended, only to fall in love with a gown twice the price of what you can spend. There are lovely dresses found at every price point, so stay true to what fits your price point.


I think it's best to go with only a few people. I have seen way too many brides in tears over all the opinions spewed at them. This is your wedding dress, people tend to like what they would personally wear. Your mom's advice that a certain detail is making your booty look big is good to know. If she tells you she hates corset backs, and you love them, ignore her.

Wear your hair close to how you think you will wear it on the day. This doesn't mean you need to have it done at a salon, but, if you want a low chignon wear your hair in a pony tail. This way your consultant can put a veil on you where you'll be wearing one, and you can get a better idea of the whole picture.

You should bring undergarments, even though most stores have corset bras to try on with, do you really want to wear a bra put on by hundreds of people before you? Yuck. If you are at all conscious of your weight it's also not a bad idea to bring Spanx.  I could practically be a spokes model for this company, so if you don't own a pair, go buy some!

Be open minded. A huge majority of the gowns I've sold have been to brides who at first turned their noses up at the gown. The dresses look so different on, and a good consultant knows how the dresses fit and how it should look on you. Trust the person you are working with and if it were me, I'd ask them to pull a few "wild cards" to try on.

Don't try on too many. The girls who try on 200 dresses are miserable, everything runs together and it's nearly impossible to choose one. There is no end to pretty things in the bridal world, so don't do yourself a disservice and put on every dress at every store in a 100 mile radius. Very few people have a crying "Say Yes to the Dress" moment. For many brides it's a logical choice that requires some thought. Try to leave every store with three favorites, at most, sleep on it, and go back. Many brides come back to try on by themselves, it's just easier to make a decision that way.

Keep your wedding in mind. If you're getting married on the beach, it's not quite appropriate to order a satin ball gown. It's best to be practical and not lose sight of the big picture. While you won't be as comfortable as when you're wearing your favorite sweat pants, you do want to be somewhat at ease.

If you get extremely torn and can't choose, try to picture your wedding day. There is a difference between a beautiful dress and your wedding dress. If one makes you feel a little more "bridal," then it's probably your dress. When that doesn't work, imagine if one of the two or three dresses were discontinued. Would you be more upset about one gown than another? And lastly, not that his opinion matters too much, (obviously he will think you are stunning regardless of what you wear) is there one dress that your fiance would like more than the others?

Once you have settled on a style, be careful who you buy from. Do. Not. Buy. Online. I don't mean you shouldn't buy a handmade dress off of Etsy, but if you found a Pronovias dress for 1/3 retail price, it's probably not the real thing. I've had girls come crying in the shop because they bought a dress online only to discover it's a cheap knock off. I've seen dresses with no boning, no crinoline, and no support. If something is too good to be true, it probably is.

If you found a store that you liked more than all of the others, see if they can order your favorite gown. Good customer service goes a long way, so be aware of the store's reputation.

If your dress has a scalloped lace hem or beaded detail, ask about the length before you order. Most designers will let you change the length when you order for a small fee.

If you are between sizes, order up. It's much easier to take in a dress than to let it out. Don't let the number bother you. Every one has to go up one to two sizes in bridal. Would you rather a small number or a dress that zips?

Be positive that this is your dress. Most stores have a zero return policy, and no one wants to be a two-dress-bride. The gowns aren't sitting in a warehouse, they are custom made, so you can't change your mind unless you decide to sell the dress online.

Good luck, and I hope you find the perfect dress for you! If you have any questions, please contact me at matrimonialmeg@gmail.com

Brilliant Bridesmaid Dresses

Let's face it, finding flattering and attractive bridesmaid dresses is a nightmare. It's difficult to ask your friends to spend their hard earned money on shapeless, satin bags. After a lot of looking, I've come across some beautiful dresses.

I am dying for one of Amanda Archer's dresses. They are unbelievably cute, and custom made. I love this dress in cotton for a more casual spring wedding, but the same design is also offered in silk.

And here is another one of her designs in a real wedding

Watters, Wtoo Bridesmaid collections are always fabulous. They are beautifully constructed, and come in great fabrics. If you're looking for sleek and simple, I think style 854 is an understated and classic look.

After working with Bari Jay multiple times, and even meeting their designer, I can't say enough good things about this line. They seem to do their best work with chiffon, and I've yet to see someone look unattractive in style 103

If you want superb style, but low prices, look into Pretty Maids by House of Wu. They have so many color options, you can make most dresses short, tea-length, or long for a small fee, and you can change the fabric. What's not to love? Catch site of this darling dress, style 22384.

Frills and ruffles and pockets, oh my! Jordan has made a fun and flirty halter that would look great on any size!

Jim Hjelm is always a great option, especially if price isn't an issue. JH5056 is a knock-out look, and would be splendid for a retro wedding.

Brrrr... It's cold out there!

You have the dress. You have everything else in place. Then it occurs to you that you might get a little bit chilly in that beautiful strapless gown in December. Boleros used to be out of style, but now they are absolutely in. 

I think this bolero, from Etsy is whimsical and gorgeous. I adore the ruffled neckline and flower detail. This would be darling with a short dress for a courthouse wedding, or a simple strapless.

I am loving this wool caplet, also found on Etsy. There aren't many dresses that wouldn't look sensational with this caplet. You could add a beautiful brooch to the knot for some added glam.

Enzoani and Blue by Enzoani offer some gorgeous, fashion forward styles. Every single jacket they make is a true work of art. 

For extra warmth, check out this faux fur bolero. If you have a lace gown, or intricate beading, faux fur may be the best way to go. 

Many bridal lines have the option of a bolero made to match the dress. If you are considering one ask your bridal retailer for more information.

The rhyme doesn't end with blue..

Everyone knows the rhyme,

"Something old,
Something new,
Something borrowed,
Something blue"

But very few know the last little bit, that was left off for convenience. The original poem ends with "And a six pence for her shoe." Since a six pence was never legal tender in the US, and it has been obsolete overseas for several decades, it was easy to dismiss.

A silver six pence would make an affordable yet sentimental gift for a bride, and most listed for purchase come with a meaninful card. The six pence can then be passed on to be someone else's "Something old" or "something borrowed" as well.
Ivy Lane design offers them, and you can purchase Ivy Lane products through many bridal retailers.

A little hint, though, if you are wearing peep-toe pumps, I suggest taping it to your sole.. My good friend lost hers while kneeling at the alter!