Your Gown, Your Silhouette

Hello, Brides!

Let’s get down to business! I’ll be starting with the term Silhouette. There are so many variations of wedding dress silhouettes, however, Randy only mentions the ones he considers the most popular.

A-line

There is the simple and traditional A-line dress, this silhouette refers to a gown that has a skirt which resembles the letter A. The fullness of the skirt in this silhouette can vary from slim to full. Mr. Fenoli considers this the silhouette that works for almost any body type.

Ball Gown

Now let’s consider my all-time favorite silhouette, the ball gown. This silhouette has a dramatic puffy skirt that typically has a natural or dropped waist. I don’t know about you but ever since I was a little girl I was fascinated with what I used to call princess* dresses. The full ball gowns are gorgeous and perfect for a fairytale wedding. However, Randy doesn’t mention this, but from experience I’ve known that petite girls usually look smaller, or get lost in the fullness of the gown. A common misconception that many people have is that the big skirts make curvaceous girls look bigger, on the contrary the full skirts bring in their waists and make it look smaller.

Fit-to-Flare

Next is the fit-to-flare silhouette. This shape is also recognized as the modified A-line, this silhouette is formfitting to the upper thighs and then slightly flares out at the bottom. It is snug more closely than an A-line, but flows out more gradually than a mermaid or trumpet.

Mermaid

Fourth in line is the sexy mermaid!  The mermaid cut is a close-fitting gown with a horizontal seam directly above the knee that flares out with a very full bottom. If you want to show of your curves this is the dress to choose. No matter your size or shape if you want to flaunt it then I say, do it! I've seen girls of all body types wear this silhouette and when they wear it with confidence they look stunning.

Sheath

Following the sexy mermaid is the sheath silhouette. This is a slim gown that hugs the body with a straight shape all the way to the toes. If this gown is tailored too much from the knees down it can be difficult to walk and especially dance in it.

Trumpet

Finally we get to the trumpet silhouette. This is a snug gown that is similar to a mermaid, but gently flares out at the bottom. Its gradual flare is usually made with princess* seams instead of the seam above the knee.

*A smart key note that Randy points out: Princess is a term that people often confuse with the shape of the dress, but it actually refers to vertical seams on a dress and not necessarily the silhouette. You can have princess seams on almost any of the dress silhouettes.

I hope you find this information helpful and instructive. Till next time, lovely brides!

Jackie S. of Sposa Mia Couture

Essential #3, Your Gown

Okay, ladies.

This is my favorite part of the book, Your Gown. Having been immersed in the bridal and formal industry from an early age, I’ve seen all sorts of fabrics and all kinds of dress styles. Reading about the details of these gowns and fibers is incredibly interesting to me. Randy doesn’t mention every single type of fabric or dress styles, but he does give the basic terminology to prepare you, the bride, for your appointment. You’ll be able to go in there knowing what you want and able to verbally express your ideas. I’ll begin with the gown terms;

Silhouette, this is the shape of the dress. The shape of the skirt defines it. (E.g. A-line, Mermaid)

Front Neckline is the top of the bodice, which defines your upper body and helps to frame your face, neck, and shoulders. (E.g. Halter, strapless)

Back Neckline is the back of the bodice, which defines your back, neck, and shoulders.

Bodice is the top part of the dress that shapes your bust, waist, and hips.

Sleeves, well we all know what those are, they cover your arms.

The Waistline is how a dress fits in relation to your natural waistline.

Hemline is the bottom edges, or length of the dress.

Petticoat or Crinoline is the fabric or foundation that’s used under a skirt to help hold its shape or silhouette.

Train is the length of the back of the skirt.

Bustle is how the train picked up

Each of these terms can be broken down to even greater detail which I’ll go through individually in separate posts. 

Jackie S. of Sposa Mia Couture

Randy Fenoli is less than a month away!

Hey, Ladies!

Let’s not forget why I’m writing these posts. Randy Fenoli will be visiting the RGV for the Love is in the Air event taking place on June 10^th at the convention center. That’s less than a month away! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see him and hear the amazing advice he has for you. Tickets can only be purchased through Sposa Mia Couture! So get on the phone if you want more information (956-683-8740) or get in your car and drive to Sposa Mia Couture to purchase your tickets! They are going fast, so don’t procrastinate!  (912 N. 10^th McAllen, TX)

Jackie S. of Sposa Mia Couture

Decide on the season, time of day and location

It’s time to choose the season, the time of day, and location; if you have these details set before you enter a boutique it will help make your dress decision easier. Now, if it’s possible give yourself enough time to enjoy the process, you don’t want to be stressed out over whether your dress will get in on time. Keep in mind that generally dresses take around six to eight months to be ordered and delivered to a boutique. You must work around that time and factor in the additional time you will need to find accessories and get alterations.  Also you have to bear in mind that “if your dress purchasing schedule is accelerated, you will probably have to pay more for certain things due to rush charges.”

“Factors like your location, temperature, weather, and time of day should be taken into consideration to ensure your comfort and overall happiness on your wedding day.”- Randy Fenoli, It’s All About The Dress

Jackie S. of Sposa Mia Couture

Essential Number Two, Your Plan!

Hello, Happy Brides!

So we go forth on our quest to make wedding dress shopping easier for you, with Randy Fenoli’s help, of course! In chapter two he addresses season, time, place, location and most importantly your budget.

If you establish your budget early all other decision will be easier to make. When I say budget I don’t mean just for your dress, but for everything that your wedding entails. (E.g. Venue, food, music, your dress accessories and alterations) This step will help you avoid falling in love with a dress that is not within your budget.

By setting your budget and being honest about it to yourself and to your consultant from the beginning, you can better enjoy shopping for your gown and avoid frustration and disappointment. 

“When you’re with the right consultant, she should be able to help you find the perfect dress at any budget.”- Randy Fenoli

We all love flipping through wedding magazines and the gowns pictured in these magazines are amazing, it’s so easy to fall in love with them! Once you tear out or fold one of those pages bring it along with you for your appointment and show your consultant the style you’re looking for.

Understand that once you set a wedding budget you can always “move” money around. Perhaps you can “borrow” money from what you’ve set aside for your flowers or instead of splurging on the food you can take a snippet of that money and use it to expand your dress budget. Keep alterations in mind when setting your dress budget. Any gown you purchase, no matter the price, will require at the least a hem and a bustle.

Once you’ve established your budget you’re one step closer to finding your dream dress but first you must choose the Seasons, the Time of Day and Location. In my next post I’ll be going over how these details go hand in hand with selecting your dream dress. Till then!

Jackie S. of Sposa Mia Couture

Your Number One Essential, Your Story

Your Story- referencing Randy Fenoli’s book, It’s All About The Dress

“…one thing remains the same for all couples. Each has a unique, intimate, and personal story to tell.”- Randy Fenoli

Randy mentions in his book that the details of your wedding speak to your guests about who you and your husband are as a couple: Your attire says, “This is our taste level in clothing.” The food you choose to serve at your reception says, “This is the food we would serve you if you were guests in our home.” The music you play says, “This is the music we like to dance and party to.” Every detail you choose to display will convey to your guests your story, your image and your taste. And in order to begin your story, what will your guests be looking at? …You and your dress.

For years now I, Jackie S., have seen brides choose their dresses relying on old fashion rules and out dated traditions. (E.g. I HAVE to wear white or what will my mother-in-law think. I can’t wear pearls because it’s bad luck.) Similarly Randy explains in his book that woman purchase their dresses with preconceived notions about what they think they are “supposed” to wear, or what they were told they “should” wear. Also, details are approved by mothers, aunts, and friends who have already been through the wedding process. But what you, as a modern bride, need to know is that today’s weddings have become more about the couple’s self-expression. However, Randy Rule #1 may apply, if a bride wants to honor a family tradition. (E.g. wearing your great grandmother’s veil) Now let’s get down to the nitty-gritty! In order to establish your story you must ask yourself several questions regarding you and your husband-to-be’s relationship. Write the questions and answers down on a piece of paper and go into detail. Don’t forget to start when you and your love bug first met. Here are some questions that I came up with to help you figure out your story. You can use these or come up with your own

• What are you and your fiancé’s favorite colors?
• What are you and your fiancé’s favorite colors?
• What are your favorite or ideal places to visit?
• What is your favorite type of music?
• What is your favorite food to eat?
• What are your individual styles?
• Where did you meet?
• Where was your first date?
• Where was “the question” popped?
• 
  
  The most important part of this step is to establish your story, embrace it and express it

Jackie S. of Sposa Mia Couture

Couture for Less!

Hey, Girls!

Our Dream Dress Sale ends after this weekend, so take advantage of the amazing savings on designer gowns! A huge selection of our sample dresses are at 40% - 75% off. Don't wait until the last minute or all the good ones will be gone!

Hello, Beautiful!

Hello, Beautiful!



Hello there, Brides to be!
We're one day closer to Randy Fenoli's arrival! (Call Sposa Mia for more info! 956-683-8740) So let me begin by introducing Randy’s five essentials that will guide you through the exciting experience of finding your dress.
Your Story
Your Plan
Your Gown
Your Body
Your Look

Each one of the essentials will have its own individual post, and once you read and understand the five essentials, you’ll be ready for your dress appointment and be well prepared to say “yes to your dress.” Much like the book I’ll also be mentioning the “Randy Rules” of choosing the right dress, but remember for every rule throughout the process: there will be an exception. That is why the 1st Randy Rule is, “For every rule, there is an exception.” Randy also mentions in his book that as much as you love bending rules you must understand that having direct plans can be very beneficial when selecting not only your dress but also when making important decisions about your wedding.

Jackie S. of Sposa Mia Couture

Randy Fenoli, here he comes!

Hello there beautiful brides! 

May is finally here and the countdown begins! "Countdown to what?", you ask. The countdown to Randy Fenoli's visit, of course! He will be visiting McAllen, Tx on  June 10th, 2012 during the Love is in the Air Wedding Event (For more info call Sposa Mia Couture 956-683-8740) In honor of Randy's visit we will be dedicating this month's posts to him and his book It's all about The Dress. Stay posted for detailed advice straight from Randy's book.

Jackie S. of Sposa Mia Couture