Who You Should Bring Dress Shopping

You want to look your best on your big day and a large part of that is the dress, whether it is for prom or for your wedding. Shopping alone can be intimidating, so it never hurts to have a second opinion. Who you want to have with you depends on which of the following events you are shopping for.

Prom Dresses

It can be a good idea to shop for prom dresses in two stages:

Stage One

Go on a scouting mission with your most trusted besties. You want the girls who are not going to grab your favorite dress from under your nose. Select a few styles and make sure you aren’t all in love with the same prom dress (unless that’s a plan you have). Take pictures with your phone so you can think about the possibilities.

Stage Two

Now that you have an idea of what you want, take your mom with you to the store. It’s likely that she’s picking up the tab (which means she will want a say). Prom dress shopping is also a great time to reach out to her and show her how important her opinion is. By asking your mom to help you choose between three or four dresses you like, you will end up with something you like no matter what.

Bridal Gowns

Remember when prom was the biggest night of your life? The stakes are even higher with a wedding and for some brides that can be stressful. Fear not! Your wedding day truly is the biggest day of your life and if you’re lucky, you are surrounded by friends and family who want to help. Here are the two people to bring with you:

Your Mom

Your wedding is a big day for you. It is also a milestone for your mom. You’ll score big points if you include her in some of the important decisions. You’ll also benefit from her years of wisdom. Listen to her carefully before you make the dress decision.

Your Best Friend/Maid of Honor

This is likely the same person, but sometimes distance is an issue. This should be a girlfriend that you trust to give you an honest opinion in a kind way. She knows that you hate the way your (insert body part here) looks and she will help you camouflage it. Better yet, she knows you have a fabulous (insert body part here) and can help you find ways to highlight it! Ask her to take pictures so you can consider the dresses over a few days.

David’s Bridal stocks a wide variety of prom dresses and wedding dresses in a range of sizes designed to flatter all types of figures.

Good Morning DB Readers and Happy Trendy Thursday!

Check out this  fun segment that aired this morning on CW Philly that featured Jamie Bradford from our Plymouth Meeting store and four stylish young woman from the corporate office!  The segment was about how you really can re-wear those bridesmaids dresses you bought! Watch the video for four great new oufits that were accessorized from the girl’s closets! Happy Watching!

Thank you Sam, Katie, Kelsey and Lexi for your enthusiasm and your sense of style!!!

http://cwphilly.cbslocal.com/video/8885360-tips-on-re-using-bridesmaid-dresses/

Good Afternoon DB readers and Happy Monday Monday!! With the premiere of the Great Gatsby this past Friday, we are so excited to share with you our love for the 1920′s inspired fashions!  Here are some of our favorite bridal gowns that will give you that Daisy Buchanan feel, and you’ll totally look like a flapper from the 20′s era!

David’s Bridal Style SWG494

Galina Signature Collection

Endlessly glamorous like Daisy in the Great Gatsby, you are red carpet ready in this gorgeous one shoulder ensemble that roars 1920’s glamour!  The ruching and draping lays on the body beautifully to accentuate your every curve.  The embellished strap and beaded neckline provide the perfect accents for a dazzling finish.

Style MS251005

Melissa Sweet Collection

This airily romantic fit and flare wedding gown with intricate dressmaker detailing channels your inner Daisy Buchanan to a T!  The gown features accents of hand cut satin fabric and ribbon embroidery, and the illusion net at the neckline adds a romantic, ethereal touch.  The modern cap sleeves present an elegant alternative to a strapless neckline!

Style SWG561

Galina Signature Collection

Lace and alternative necklines are all the rage, and this absolutely gorgeous fit to flare gown screams flapper girl from the 20’s!  The illusion off the shoulder neckline and lace overlay have a very vintage-y feel, and the covered button detailing adds that special component every girl wants in her dress.

5 Tips to Look Best in Prom Photos!

You spend enormous amounts of time picking out your prom dress and getting ready, so you should be sure to immortalize your effort in photographs. Your prom pictures are a lifelong reminder of one of the most exciting nights of your life. To ensure that your pictures look as great as you do, here are some quick tips.

Be Happy in Your Photos

It’s normal to be nervous when you are having your picture taken, but the best pictures are ones where you look natural. Have someone tell a joke or try to remember a funny story while pictures are being taken. You will look more relaxed and your smile will be genuine.

Strike a Pose

Being photographed straight on makes you appear larger than you are. This can be great for guys, but it is not typically a flattering pose for girls. Standing at a slight angle will make you appear narrower, and is also a great way to show off a bit of the luxe back detailing on your fab dress.

Tame Your Hair

Updos are a great way to do something different with your hair, but complicated styles may be difficult to achieve on your own. To ensure that your hair looks great and stays in place, have a professional style your hair for prom, or save your money and check out DIY video tips. Gently remind your date that a fresh haircut would look sharp with his tux.

Makeup and Grooming

You’ll want your makeup to last throughout prom, so use waterproof mascara, durable foundation and crease-resistant eye shadow. Remember that primer can help all those gorgeous colors stay where they belong. If you happen to be selected for prom royalty, have a compact ready for a quick fix before pics.

Picking an Outfit

Your prom dress should fit well and be as comfortable as possible. While prom attire will never be as cozy as your pajamas, you don’t want something you can’t move in. David’s Bridal offers lots of short prom dresses and super-danceable jersey options. Additionally, a few minor alterations can help you achieve the perfect fit.

Happy Trendy Thursday DB Readers! Since many proms are right around the corner, if you are still scrambling for a dress- here are some great options that are under $100! Three of our dresses were recently featured on PennyChic.com- an awesome website that keeps up with the latest fashion trends!

1. Satin Sweetheart Dress $99 (David’s Bridal)

4. White by Vera Wang Organza Bubble Skirt Dress $59.99 (David’s Bridal)

7. Floral Shoulder Maxi Gown $99 (David’s Bridal)

When it comes to planning a wedding, most of the focus is on how much the bride and groom will have to pony up for their big day.

But what about the people who pay just for the pleasure of wishing them well?

A new survey found wedding guests and bridal parties expect to spend more than $500 on average this year –– a huge bump over 2012.

Between tux rentals, dress fittings, bachelor(ette) parties and pre-wedding showers, bridal party members will shell out $577 per person these days, compared to $377 in 2012.

As for the 69 million wedding guests expected to attend nuptials this year, they can expect to spend $539, up 59% since 2012.

The reason? Hotel and gas costs are rising, which means just getting to a wedding costs more than usual. And then there are the gifts, of course.

Guests spend about $108 on average on wedding gifts!

Good Morning DB Readers and Happy Trendy Tuesday!  We don’t know about you, but we look at weddings as joyous opportunities to dine, dance, celebrate…and show off our impressive style. Don’t get us wrong — nobody’s trying to steal the spotlight from the lady in white, but a girl’s got to hold her own.

Which is why we’ve put together three killer dresses perfect for this season’s happiest fetes. Whether you’ve RSVP’ed to a casual afternoon affair or an over-the-top soirée, these carefully crafted ensembles will definitely put you on the best dressed guest list (bridesmaids totally vote on that sort of thing). Now, that’s something we can all toast to!

Short Crinkle Chiffon Dress with Front Cascade Style F14847

You’ll definitely be on trend in this lilac short number for a casual wedding! You’ll be able to dance all night long with ease and confidence!

NEW! High-Low Mesh Dress with Floral One-Shoulder Style 8420BW1B

The hi-low trend is all the rage this season, and this jersey dress with one shoulder applique will have heads turning for the more traditional wedding!

V Neck Sleeveless Chiffon Column Dress Style VW360027

For the more formal wedding, this gorgeous White by Vera Wang gown features a Sheer V-neck overlay is artfully gathered and draped for a beautifully flattering design in every size.

If you’re newly engaged, you know the wedding day is ALL about the bride! Looking to shape up for your wedding? We have some great workout tips on how to look absolutely fabulous in your gown!

What you want: A sleek, smooth torso for even the slinkiest sheath.

The Twist

1. Stand with your feet hip-width apart and knees slightly bent. Imagine holding a ball in between your thighs. Squeeze your thigh muscles, then pull in your belly and tuck it under your pelvis (so you’re in a slight sitting position). Lace your fingers together and place your hands behind your head.

2. Keeping your chest high, slowly twist from side to side without moving your lower body, so that your upper body turns from facing left to facing right. Keep it slow — you won’t get the full benefit if you’re relying on momentum. Repeat 40 times. Yep, you heard us right — 40!

Standing Side Crunch

1. Stand in the same position as you did for the twist, with your abs tucked in and your toes facing front (but drop the imaginary ball!).

2. Lift your left knee toward your left arm bringing your elbow down to meet it. Hold, then return to the starting position. Repeat it on the right and do a total of 20 repetitions on each side.

What you want: Toned triceps, biceps, and pectorals to really strut your strapless stuff.

Bicep Curls
1. Standing with your feet hip-width apart and knees slightly bent, pull your tummy in and tuck your pelvis under. Hold a heavier pair of dumbbells down at your sides with your palms facing front.

2. Keeping your elbows at your sides, slowly curl the dumbbells toward your shoulders. Reverse direction and lower the dumbbells into starting position — avoid locking your elbows. Do 10 repetitions per set. Slow and steady wins the race here — you’ll get a bigger benefit from the exercise if you use concentrated, controlled movements. If you feel like you’re whipping the weights around to get them up, your dumbbells are too heavy. Downgrade to a smaller weight so you can move more comfortably.

Flat Dumbbell Fly
1. Lie down with your knees bent and your feet firmly planted shoulder-width apart. Stretch out your arms on the floor so your body makes a T. Grasp a dumbbell in each outstretched hand, keeping your elbows slightly bent. Keep your palms facing up towards the ceiling.

2. Slowly raise the weights upward in a rounded arc (as if you were hugging a tree!), gently touching the dumbbells together at the top above your body. Hold for a few seconds, then slowly lower the weights back to their starting positions. Do 10 repetitions per set.

Tricep Dips
1. Sit normally on a sturdy, nonwheeled chair. Place your hands on the front edge of the seat (fingertips facing front) and your feet on the floor, hip-width apart and a little bit ahead of you. Slowly slide your bottom off the seat of the chair, keeping your hands where there are.

2. Keeping your arms close to your body, bend your elbows until your upper arms are parallel to the floor, allowing your rear end to descend past the edge of the chair. Using your arms to lift you, reverse direction and push yourself back up to the point at which your arms are straight. Work up to 15 dips per set.

Good Afternoon DB Readers and Happy Fashion Friday!! Spring is in full bloom, but before you know it fall will be here! Two weeks ago we held an editor event that showcased our brand new Fall 2013 Bridal, Bridesmaids, Special Occasion and Accessories collections! Editors from various publications attended our day long event, and WeddingWire was the first to get snapshots of the entire collection!  Check out some of the gorgeous images below of our new collection that will be hitting stores this summer!