Hello!
If some of you live in the Lancaster PA area, you might want to take advantage of some of our natural resources - like farm life. Local farmers have been known to be very generous in offering their grounds, their out buildings and even some of their greenery and flowers to creative brides. Who says being on a budget has to be discouraging????

A rustic barn and the surrounding fields can be a beautiful backdrop for a wedding. Adding twinkle lights and white linen tablecloths can transform an out building into a perfect and spacious site for a ceremony and reception. So much of the decor has already been naturally supplied for you, so that you can focus your budget on food or music instead. There are several venues around the area that expect a site fee, but keep looking, you might be pleasantly surprised at the generosity and kindness of local farmers not requiring anything from you, except cleaning up at the end of the event!

Because its a farm, (its their job to grow things) wild flowers for bouquets and centerpieces may be readily available and at a reasonable or even no cost.  Think outside of the box, think creatively of other things that are found on a farm that could be used for centerpieces - purple and green cabbages, mason jars and mini hay bails.

And just think of how entertaining and unique an experience it could be for some of your city slicker friends to come to a farm. Sheep and cows, and horses right at their fingertips. Chickens and pigs adding to the environment too. Maybe a tractor for a fun photo prop and a horse and wagon to take guests from their cars to the ceremony site.

Hope I've given you something to think about. Are you up for the challenge?

Hello!
So many people have been asking about websites that I have used in the past and been happy with. So today I'm going to list a handful to get you started:

Lightinthebox.com - everything wedding! Now this is the only overseas cite I will recommend. I have used them several times and been very happy with the quality, the service and their timeliness in getting orders to me. I will not recommend any others so please be careful when you order from anyone else because they may be less reputable. Lightinthebox has everything from veils, to wraps,  to jewelry, to shoes, to wedding gowns, to bridesmaid gowns, etc. They are NOT designer gowns, but "inspired" by designers so you may find a wonderfully priced knockoff. If your budget is a real concern, then take a look here!

Efavormart.com -is a wonderful cite for linens, favors and decorations for the ceremony and the reception. They offer quality products at wholesale prices to the public. I found that linens were particularly of great value compared to the rental prices that many linen vendors may charge you. They have many different colors and fabrics to choose from which can get the creativity really going! After the wedding day, turn around and sell them on ebay or craigslist and make a little money back!!!

Save-on-crafts.com - offers everything a creative, but budget minded bride could possibly want for the ceremony or the reception. Prices are very reasonable and I find that I can spend hours looking and ordering from this cite. I have always been pleased with the service and quality.

Uline.com - is actually a cite directed at businesses but I have found some real bargains on cardboard decorated mailers, beautiful envelopes and other stationary related items. Most of the items need to be ordered in bulk, but then many brides need that many items, so it can be a real savings. Once again, the service and quality of their merchandise is top notch.

So don't think that the only place you can find those items you need to put your special touch on your wedding day is the expensive hobby shops and stationery shops. I always tell my brides, "think outside of the box." Good luck and have fun!!!!

Hello!
When choosing your jewelry for the wedding day, I have a golden rule - "Bling the bride, or bling the gown, but not both."

Some gowns are already designed with bling or embellishments at the bodice, and one would hope that it would be evident that a substantial necklace or even any necklace at all might not be necessary. Some gown fabrics like delicate laces or to the other extreme, a heavy satin, might dictate what type of jewelry would look best. A statement or chunky necklace can be a beautiful addition, but keep in mind your stature. A bride that is hardly 5 foot tall is going to look overwhelmed, and the necklace may wear the bride instead. As a side note, remember that some fabrics such as tulle or lace may not tolerate bracelets very well. They can snag that type of fabric (no matter how careful you think you will be) and the repairs are costly or impossible. I suggest that brides also watch the length and design of the earring they choose to wear that day. Too long of an earring may take away from your face and eyes, which is so important that day! Many think that a overly long earring will elongate the neck, but unless you are already a giraffe, you probably won't get the effect you are hoping for. Also, an earring that is weighty on your earlobe at the start of the day, may become unbearable or damaging by the end of a long wedding event.

In conclusion, be classy. Most times, "less is more."

Hello!
When choosing bridesmaids' gowns, take some factors into consideration. Most bridal parties don't consist of the same body shapes - think of Cousin Heather who is a little hippy and Sister Leah who has a very full chest. The more bridesmaids you have, the more issues you may have to address if you decide to use only one style of gown. I have advised that the bride pass on the idea of all girls wearing the same gown and that instead allow the bridal party to choose the gown that fits their individual figures AND budgets. The bride will determine the length, color and fabric she would like the bridesmaids to wear, but then allow the bridesmaids to find the gown style that might address that physical concern they have, and might actually impress them enough to wear again after your special day!  Not all gowns are the same price either, so a bridesmaid can discreetly look for a gown that suits her budget a little better without being embarrassed or drawing attention to the fact that she might be on a tighter budget than the rest.

Most bridesmaids are very kind and want to do anything they can to make the day perfect for the bride. So why not do the same for them and suggest that they wear something that will make them feel special on your big day too?  Bridal diplomacy 101...

Hello!
Wondering whether and how much to hem your gown? There are several hemlines from which to choose. But ultimately, it is whatever the bride feels comfortable with. Hems can be one of the costliest alterations and often, brides decide not to hem at all and just get a higher heel. 

Most brides opt to have the hem of their gown float on the floor just a hair longer than their shoe. It used to be that brides preferred to have their hem higher than their shoe to show off the pretty heels they had gotten dyed to compliment their gown. Some brides have also taken their hems to their ankle, to exaggerate this look.  To the ankle in the front and then sloping longer to the train, termed the "ballet hem."

A trendier look has been the high/low look. This puts the front of the gown's hem to the knee (or higher) and then slopes to a much longer train. This hem is flirty and less formal and before you think about cutting the fabric on your gown, consider your ceremony and reception venue's atmosphere. Some designers offer removable trains on these type gowns which can change the look and tone of your event considerably.

Some brides opt not to hem at all. It can save money but can add headaches to the walk down the aisle. A bride should be instructed to make small kicks as she walks no matter what the length of her hem. The small kick smooths out the skirt and  hem with every step (helps the photographer too) and moves the fabric from underfoot. After the ceremony, many brides bustle their gowns in the back which helps move some of the fabric away from the shoe as well. And most brides end up kicking off those beautiful (but often painful) heels at the reception when the dancing begins anyway, so then the hem is not the right length again.

Designers use many different types of hems to compliment their gowns, and some can be more costly or difficult to adjust in length. Make sure your seamstress is competent to do the hem and GET IT IN WRITING. At Weddings by Paulette, all alterations are fully discussed between the bride and the seamstress prior to cutting, and the decided alterations are written down for future reference.

Regardless of the length of hem that you choose, remember, its YOUR day and YOUR decision!!!

Hello!
Just thought of a helpful little tidbit that some of you might enjoy. After the big day, and before you commit your gown to the preservation box, to rest in the attic - have someone, preferably a seamstress, remove some of the lace or other beautiful fabric from your gown. As much as we would love to think that some day our daughters would want to wear our cherished gown, thta probably isn't what will happen. You know how you felt! But with the breathtaking laces and fabrics that are being used in today's gowns, it is a shame to have them sit up in the attic for the next 20 something years. Use the piece of lace or fabric you save to create your first child's christening attire or maybe a teddy bear for the bassinet. Keep the memories of your special day continuing visibly through the years and create an heirloom that can be passed down through your family. Maybe your whole gown will not ever walk down the aisle again, but parts of it will always be admired and remembered with love.

Hello!
I've been noticing lately that brides arrive at Weddings by Paulette already overwhelmed before they even try on their first gown! While searching the internet and perusing a thousand magazines might make you feel like you are preparing, it can actually make you crazy!! Just kidding, you will not go crazy but you might be sabatoging your first salon experience.

The first time you go to a wedding salon, my advice is to take one or two people with you, not your entire bridal party. The more opinions offered on gowns you try on, the more confused you may become. Also, your own thoughts and opinions may get lost in the crowd and you may find yourself walking down the aisle in a gown which was not really your first choice. After you have narrowed your choices down to two or three, and possibly even knowing which is THE ONE, take everyone back and show them those gowns, and get their opinions then.

As you enter most salons, you will see rows and rows of beautiful gowns and wonder, "where do I begin?" A good consultant will try to get an idea of your budget, your initial likes, the date of your wedding and  something that can greatly effect the type of gown you purchase - the ceremony and reception sites. You  might not want to choose a heavy satin ballgown for a reception in July at an outdoor venue. You might not want to choose a gown with a twenty foot train if you are getting married on the beach. And you may not want to wear a gown with a revealing back and overexposed cleavage if you are getting married in a religious venue. Weddings by Paulette always recommend to their brides that you put make believe blinders on, and focus on bodice and silhouette. Forget about the color of the gown for the moment (the gown can be ordered in white, ivory, champagne, blush, etc) and forget about the bling (or lack of bling) on the gown. Weddings by Paulette has three very experienced seamstresses on staff and they can add (or remove) bling, embellishments, flowers, etc. from the gown. Start out with 8-9 gowns and rule one out as you try them on.

Lastly, don't kid yourself that budget doesn't really matter. Nothing is worse than having someone encourage a bride to try on a  gown that is definitely out of her budget. Then trying on gowns in her budget just doesn't seem to make her happy one bit. Although we want you to have that heart pattering, misty eyed, aha moment, you must use your head too. You are a mature woman now getting married, juggling lots of wedding expenses and the gown is just one of them. Remember, that besides the cost of the gown, there will also be Pennsylvania sales tax, and possibly alterations, despite the initial fit. Tax can add another $100 to the cost, and alterations can range from $20-$500. Do your math and make wise decisions!!!

Hello!
I've been writing for a little more than a week and I have received wonderful responses from all my readers! Please feel free to comment on the blog site and we could really get some conversations going!! Thank you to everyone for their kind thoughts and suggestions about subjects to discuss in the future. If you have any concerns or questions, send them my way. I love to help out in any way I can and I might have more time and resources than you do in certain areas. Plus, I've been involved in the wedding world for such a long time, there aren't many bridal concerns I haven't heard before - let me make the planning process easier and so much less stressful!!!! See you tomorrow :)

Hello!
Have you started thinking about wedding flowers yet?  Before you commit to a florist, consider alternative, creative ways to express color and mood of your special day.  Besides the obvious cite Pinterest, there are many places to view beautiful bouquets, centerpieces and ceremony decor that aren't only flowers. 

Very popular and elegant in appearance is the brooch bouquet. At first glance brides may shy from this project because it looks costly and difficult to construct. Don't worry, it doesn't have to be either. You Tube and other internet  cites will hold your hand through the construction. Retailers such as JoAnn Fabric and AC Moore even have free classes to help you with the first one. (I know of a bride who attended one of these classes and all the classmates donated their bouquet to her so that she had enough for her whole bridal party.) Start collecting brooches early, depending on the size of your desired bouquet, you may need anywhere from 20-60 brooches. Garage sales with tables of costume jewelry would be the first place I would search. Also, family members could be honored or remembered by including a special piece of their jewelry in your bouquet. Most brides keep their brooch bouquet long after the wedding.  The family heirloom is safely included in a bridal bouquet that might be in a hope chest or picture frame for years.  If all all else fails, there are hundreds of brooch sellers on the internet. The prices can range from less than a dollar to hundreds of dollars, depending on your budget and taste. 

Take a look at some of the Etsy sellers too. Bouquets can come in the form of wood sculptures to pearl clusters. Sooooo many ideas, and soooooo many inexpensive ways to express your individuality. But from experience, order early in case the product you receive is not what you thought you wanted, or tweaks need to be made to it.

Although flowers still are the base for bouquets and centerpieces of  the majority of brides, this is your special day and  take time to think outside of the box. Give people something to remember, something to really talk about!!

Hello!
As some of you try on gown after gown, looking for just the right one, a question as to whether to wear a veil or not may arise. Back in the day, most brides were married in a religious venue and were required to wear some covering on their heads ,hence the use of the veil. But now things have changed! Brides are married on beaches, and on mountain cliff sides, farm fields and city aquariums.  To gravel walkways, sandy beaches and acorn scattered wood settings, brides have come up with other ways to adorn their hair and accentuate their gowns.

Probably one of the most popular that will come to mind is the "birdcage." I think it is the simpler version of the hats that brides wore during the seventies. It is a simple netting that covers the nose and touches the chin, sometimes having flowers or a comb of bling attached. Weddings by Paulette has many of these to choose from in stock and catalogs to order from as well. . Our seamstresses can also custom make one for you, so that the netting falls just so and doesn't tickle your nose or fall too far below your chin. A piece of Mom's or Grandmom's sentimental jewelry attached can be incorporated into your design so that you have that "something borrowed." prominent in all your wedding pictures.

Many brides have chosen to adorn their hair with rings of fresh flowers that are woven into their wedding hairstyles. Others have decided to up that look a little and scatter small pearls and other sparkles throughout their hair, forgoing the head covering completely.

But there is something to be said for the veil.  I always tell brides, that their wedding day is the only day they will ever wear a veil, there will never be another opportunity or event where one is required or suggested. All gowns are beautiful, but the addition of a veil is often the very thing needed to complete the magical , bridal
look.  Veils come in several lengths and work for different venues, gowns and even different shapes and sizes of the bride.

The most dramatic veil is the cathedral. Many girls may remember the gown train and veil of Kate Middleton. The veil starts at the top of the head and runs to the tip, or even longer,  length of the train of the wedding gown. A "blusher" or additional piece of tulle can fall over the face of the bride prior to the ceremony, which is later pushed to the back of her head and falls into the folds of the veil itself. Brides prior to the seventies usually wore the dramatic cathedral with a blusher. This type of veil has made an astonishing comeback as brides desire to make an entrance that turns everyone's heads. Weddings by Paulette has beautiful cathedral veils, some with bling, some with color, some with lace, etc.and we  have many catalogs to order from also.

Another veil that is very popular is the knee length veil, often called "the waltz." As called, it falls to about the knee of the bride, is very manageable and adds that head turning drama that every bride wants. This is a wonderful veil for the ceremony setting that might not offer a long cathedral aisle or has a less than smooth, snagless walkway. The waltz also elongates the torso and continues the lines of the gown without accentuating the hips.

Lastly, a veil that many brides come to Weddings by Paulette thinking will be their choice, is the elbow length. It is often used with a less formal gown. Some brides feel that because they are not tall that a shorter veil is the way they should go. I feel that a shorter veil just makes the bride look short. It falls at the waist and if a bride's waist is not her best feature, this type of veil can also allow your guests to focus right on that area. I suggest to brides that if an elbow length veil is a must, then throw the folds back onto your shoulders and do not bring the folds around to the front of your gown.  It will be a recognition of the formality of the occasion, but not overwhelm the bride at the same time.

The most important reminder that Weddings by Paulette staff will give their brides, "it is your day, you can wear anything you want!!!" Be creative, be assertive in all choices, and remember, A BRIDE IS ALWAYS BEAUTIFUL!!!!

Hello!
So you may have just got engaged and your head is spinning!  After all the hugs and well wishes, you may be lying in bed, thinking, NOW WHAT????? From my experience, you have several options, and you need to decide pretty quickly which way you want to go. One option is putting your head in the sand as time ticks away, hoping that Mom or some other family member will take the reins and get the planning started.  Come on, you're all grown up and getting married, you can handle this!!

 Many brides choose to find the ceremony and reception venue first, then they work all the details around that factor. Many brides choose to come to Weddings by Paulette and choose their gown, then wrap the details around  the color, fabric and look of their gown. The staff is very familiar with local wedding venues and may be able to suggest sites you had not heard of before or realized offered wedding services.  Another option is to hire a wedding planner! Do NOT be afraid to contact one of these invaluable, trained professionals. Wedding planners know WHO to contact, WHERE to contact, HOW MUCH things SHOULD cost, and WHEN certain venues are available. You could spend days or weeks getting the same information that they have at their fingertips.  You say too expensive??  NOT TRUE! Many wedding planners are experienced in obtaining vendors and materials at discounts that would not be offered to you necessarily. Many wedding planners will be able to suggest cost effective ways of having a champagne wedding on a sparkling cider budget.

Lastly, and the option that many brides choose these days - go out and buy an organizer and get going!!! There are many FREE programs online that allow the organized bride to insert all her valuable information into as planning continues. Wedding services on the internet are a brides best friend! Thousands of dollars can be saved with time and conscientious searching of the web.  Take one aspect of your special day and plan as much as you can, then move onto the next aspect. WHEN you start getting overwhelmed, stop and go give that fiancee of yours a hug, go for a walk, regroup!

Just remember, if planning your wedding is the biggest dilemma you ever have in your life - aren't you a lucky girl!!!!!

Hello!
Whether you order a gown from Weddings by Paulette or another bridal salon, it is sooooo important that you have proper measurements taken. Your Paulette bridal consultant will take these measurements while you are dressed only in your undergarments, and knows just where your true waist is and where your hip line lies. Brides should realize that even when proper measurements are taken, the manufacturer will send a gown that is as close to those dimensions as possible. But usually there are little "nips and tucks" that need to be done, and possibly a hem before the gown is just perfect. Weddings by Paulette has three, very experienced seamstresses on staff and as a courtesy, offers to make those" nips and tucks" for you if necessary. But always thinking of our brides, if you have someone you know that is experienced in working with wedding fabrics, you certainly may take your gown to them for the necessary alterations. Other alterations that a bride should consider are addition/removal of "bling" and embellishments and a bustle for the reception. It is so important that enough bustle points are incorporated in the gown to securely keep the train up, but it should be emphasized that the points also should be placed strategically so that the integrity of the base of the gown is not affected either. Paulette seamstresses will be able to provide you with an estimate of how many bustle points you will need for your gown prior to alterations beginning. Now go out there, and look for your wedding gown!!!!  Weddings by Paulette is ready when you are to make the gown perfect just for you!!!!

Hello!
Did you know that a wedding gown can take 4-12 months to arrive at the bridal salon after you order it? And attendants, mother of the bride and groom, and flower girl gowns can take 2-5 months???? It's never too early to start researching various designers in magazines, visiting bridal salons and trying on gowns, just to get an idea and narrow down your personal style and likes. Your gown is such an important part of your special day, don't wait until the last ordering moment to choose. Many bridal salons will allow you to store your gown with them, and Weddings by Paulette always welcomes brides who would like to "visit" their gowns through the months running up to their special day!!! Happy shopping :)

Hello!
Did you know that choosing your gown will also help you choose the color of your groom's shirt, the color of your invitations, the color of your underlay linens, and even the venue that would be the best to entertain your guests on your special day????? It's so true! If you choose an ivory gown, then choose an ivory linen underlay for your tables. Don't allow your linens to clash with the gown you have so carefully chosen. Send out crisp white invitations if you will walk down the aisle in a white gown, set the scene for your guests from the very beginning!

And you'll notice that at Weddings by Paulette, the bridal consultants will ask where you will be hosting your reception. Don't know yet? Consider a ballgown for a more formal, possibly indoor site, a lace sheath for a winery or bed and breakfast and a mermaid or fit and flair for a cocktail reception. Sometimes choosing the gown makes the choosing the venue so much easier!!!!!

Dear Future Brides and all those who love you!

This is Weddings by Paulette's first blog post!!! We are starting this site so that questions can be answered  as you plan the most exciting day in your life. Send you concerns, or inquiries to "Paulette", and we will provide informative and knowledgeable responses. We will also be sending out little tidbits of advice that might make your planning easier or your special day less stressful. So welcome! Check in with us often, and look for us on the Weddings by Paulette facebook page for easy access.!!!!!