One Month and Counting

Every bride has the final countdown. One month to go! Within those last 30 something days, brides are typically overwhelmed, stressed out, and exhausted. It is the duty of all of her family, friends and bridesmaids to make sure that she is well taken care of. In fact, it is the duty of the aformentioned to actually chip in and help with all of the last minute details if at all possible.

For example, bridesmaids, if something is going on with your dress, please handle the situation without freaking out the bride. If the dress is shipping later than anticipated, keep a positive attitude for the bride and contact the salon and request a tracking number. Or, if your alterations aren't going as smoothly as you wished, have a heart to heart with the seamstress. Communication is key. Create solutions so that all will work out beautifully.

Family and friends should be courteous and understanding towards the bride. Everyone needs to be aware that the guest list is a huge stress point for the bride. Please sympathize with her when your invitation arrives. If you have a boyfriend of just a few weeks, do not expect him to be invited and by all means do not add the plus one on your own. The numbers are well thought out when figuring out the budget. And, adding plus ones here and there add up. In addition, if your children's names aren't on the invitation, don't ask if they can come. Many brides choose not to include children. Therefore, think of it as a night out on the town, and hire a babysitter and have a beautiful celebration.

It seems that every wedding creates hurt feelings. However, it doesn't have to be this way. Put your own feelings aside and empathize with the bride. Your day will come, if it hasn't already, and you will have your own difficult decisions to make. Keep in mind that a wedding is a celebration of people uniting in love.

30 Years

Approaching or 30th year of business, Formally yours would like to take this opportunity to thank our loyal customers. Over the years, we have helped so many beautiful women of all ages. Some are even second generation customers. Each and every person is valuable to our business and we want to show our appreciation.

First, we have tweaked our staff. Now, our staff is comprised of young energetic experienced ladies who bring in fresh and innovative ideas. Staying in touch with trends is vital in the bridal industry, and our continual research helps us to bring these ideas to you our customers. We are relevant in this ever changing industry and love the creative aspect as well as the merchandising aspect of this business.

Most importantly however, we have retrained our amazing staff. In paying attention to detail, we have read ALL of the reviews in cyber space and listen to each and every word. Each review, good or bad, takes time to write and we value and appreciate your concern for others. Of course, we love all of the positive reviews and continue to build off of these. However, you can't change what you don't acknowledge, so therefore we read and review all of the not so flattering words as well. In doing so, we are focusing on you the customer at all times for all of your bridal needs.

Our #1 priority is to best serve our customers. We are here to serve and assist each and every customer that walks through our doors. It's our pleasure to walk you through each step of the bridal shopping experience So, thank-you once again.

Girls Night In!

Are you having a weekend away with all the ladies in your bridal party or want to get really excited to be getting married? I've come up with a list of 10 best wedding chick flicks for those nights when you want to cuddle up with your man or jump into your jammies with all your girlfriends with a bowl of popcorn or maybe a glass of wine!!

1. Father of the Bride

2. The Wedding Planner

3. The Wedding Singer

4. My Big Fat Greek Wedding

5. My Best Friend's Wedding

6. Runaway Bride

7. 27 Dresses

8. Bride Wars

9. The Wedding Date

10. Sex and the City: The Movie

So grab your tissues and have a great evening in! You deserve it after all the planning you've been doing!! Laughter is the best medicine!!

20 Quotes from Famous Females

Are you a maid or matron of honor and have no idea what to talk about in your speech? Well http://www.theknot.com/ came up with a list of words of wisdom from famous women when you toast the bride and groom.

The maid of honor's toast is, well, a girl thing. And while male musings often move us, we think the maid of honor will find enormous inspirtation in the words of her sagacious, soul-searching sisters. Below, some toast-appropriate insights and emotions from favorite female writers, philosophers, and personalities.

"The capacity to love is tied to being able to be awake, to being able to move out of yourself and be with someone else in a manner that is not about your desire to possess them, but to be with them, to be in union and communion." ~Bell Hooks

"One of the best things about love is just recognizing a man's steps when he climbs the stairs."~Colette

"Where there is great love, there are always miracles."~Willa Cather

"It was just enough to sit there without words."~Louise Erdrich

"When you love someone all your saved-up wishes start coming out."~Elizabeth Bowen

"Infatuation is when you think that he's as sexy as Robert Redford, as smart as Henry Kissinger, as noble as Ralph Nader, as funny as Woody Allen, and as athletic as Jimmy Connors. Love is when you realize that he's as sexy as Woody Allen, as smart as Jimmy Connors, as funny as Ralph Nader, as athletic as Henry Kissinger, and nothing like Robert Redford--but you'll take him anyway."~Judith Viorst

"We love because it's the only true adventure."~Nikki Giovanni

"Love is everything it's cracked up to be. That's why people are so cynical about it. It really is worth fighting for, risking everything for. And the trouble is, if you don't risk anything, you risk even more."~Erica Jong

"Love has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get--only with what you are expecting to give--which is everything."~Katherine Hepburn

"We are each other's harvest; we are each other's business; we are each other's magnitude and bond."~Gwendolyn Brooks

"What greater thing is there for two human souls than to feel that they are joined...to strengthen each other...to be at one with each other in silent unspeakable memories."~George Eliot

"The best marriages, like the best lives, were both happy and unhappy. There was even a kind of necessary tension, a certain tautness between the partners that gave the marriage strength, like the tautness of a full sail."~Anne Morrow Lindbergh (Dearly Beloved)

"Everyone admits that love is wornderful and necessary, yet no one agrees on just what it is."~Diane Ackerman

"Anyone can be passionate, but it takes realy lovers to be silly."~Rose Franken

"In a great romance, each person plays a part the other really likes."~Elizabeth Ashley

"Love, be true to her; Life, be dear to her;

Health, stay close to her; Joy, draw near to her;

Fortune, find what you can do for her,

Search your treasure-house through and through for her,

Follow her footsteps the wide world over--

And keep her husband always her lover."~Anna Lewis, 'To the Bride'

"Love is blind--marriage is the eye-opener."~Pauline Thomason

"Love is the lifespring of our existence. The more love you give, the happier you feel and the more love you will have within you to give."~Susan L. Taylor

"Never is true love blind, but rather an added light."~Phoebe Cary

"Chains do not hold a marriage together. It is threads, hundreds of tiny threads which sew people together through the years. That is what makes a marriage last."~Simone Signoret

Wedding Dress Shopping 101

I've been doing some research and have accumilated 8 Tips every bride should keep in mind when shopping for wedding gowns.

1. Calculate Costs: When calculating your wedding dress budget, don't forget to factor in the cost of your veil and headpiece -- which can run from $50 to $300 -- as well as your shoes, lingerie, and wedding jewelry. Also, keep in mind that almost all gowns need alterations, which will add to the bottom line.

2. Dress Codes: Many houses of worship consider bare shoulders disrespectful. Ask your officiant about specific body-coverage requirements before you start wedding dress shopping. Or look into a wrap or shawl for the ceremony.

3. Play Hooky: We know you're busy, but if at all possible take time off during the week to begin your hunt -- you'll get more of the salesperson's time and attention than you would on a busy Saturday.

4. Open your mind: When you're in the bridal salon, don't eliminate anything at first glance. Even though certain styles work best on certain body types, don't let the "rules" narrow your search too much. It helps to try on all different kinds of dresses, and then to decide which shape and style you look and feel best in. So if the salesperson brings you something she says you must try -- try it, even if you detest the way it looks on the hanger. Many a bride has ended up going ga-ga for a wedding gown the salesperson had to persuade her to try on.

5. Trust your Instincts: If you have to be reassured that the dress looks great on you, it's probably not the one. Is this how you pictured yourself looking as a bride? Can you really see yourself walking down the aisle swathed in this gown? If not, take it off and move on.

6. Take Proper Measures: When you're ready to order your wedding dress, the store will take your measurements: bust, waist, and hips. Each manufacurer has its own measurement chart, and this is what the store will use to determine your size. A knowledgeable store will know how a particular designer's gowns are supposed to fit. Ask to see the sizing chart so you can have a better understanding if the way it works. And make sure the correct size gets ordered, using your largest measurement as a guide. One thing to remember: wedding gowns run small, so don't be alarmed should your final size measurement jump up a number or two.

7. Focus on the Fit: Know, too, that every wedding dress needs alterations to fit precisely to your frame. When your gown is altered correctly, you should be able to move comfortably with everything staying in place. Alterations can be as simple as taking in the waist and shortening the hem; in more complex alterations, the sleeves may be abbreviated, the bodice taken in, and lace or beads added.

8. Fit in Fittings: You'll probably have at least two or three dress fittings, which you'll schedule with the store when you purchase your wedding dress; more may be necessary, so leave ample time before the wedding.

All of these tips were provided by http://www.theknot.com/, our favorite website for all your wedding needs!

W-Too Bridal and Bridesmaids Trunk Show

Come join us for a fresh, graceful, easy to love look of the New Fall 2010 W-Too Bridal and Bridesmaids dresses July 23-24 at Formally Yours in Lilburn, GA. Check out our website http://www.formallyyoursga.com/ for more details, or become Friends with FormallyYours Dresses on www.facebook.com!

Last week, I had the pleasure of viewing the TODAY show wedding up close and in person. I watched in amazement at seeing the set built, the flowers arranged and the chairs set in place. It was an overnight extravanza. It was as if the carnival had rolled in to NYC. In addition, I had the opportunity of meeting the make-up artists and the fashion consultants of the show. They were overworked and exhausted as they had the responsibility of touching-up all of the guests make-up and attire, on top of attending to the bride, groom and the entire wedding party. WOW! It was bigger and more fast paced than a broadway production. While I was watching the show from the side-lines, I was fascinated! Of course, the bride was picture perfect, with her hair couiffed, her make-up impeccable, and her dress and accessories exactly placed. The mothers and fathers looked beautiful and handsome as did the bridesmaids and the groomsmen. And then there was the groom. The cutest, warmest, most sincere young man. And let me tell you what I learned that day. The bride, in all her glory and beauty and in the midst of a fairy-tale setting, already had THE MOST important detail that no one else could buy for her or do for her. She had the man of her dreams by her side. So ladies, listen up, shop till you drop, plan until you can't stand, and browse the internet until your eyes blur, and while you are doing so keep one thing in mind. The most important accessory to your wedding is the GROOM. As long as you have him and love him by your side, you are all set!

I had the best family in the store today. It was so good to see them again because I had helped the sister of the bride 3 years ago. So, because their first experience was successful, they decided to shop at Formally Yours again. Lovely bride and mother, darling family and friend, they were happy and eager to find the perfect gown. We started by filling up the dressing room with styles that the bride liked until there was barely enough room for her try things on in. She came out in a beautiful white taffeta Mori Lee design and was absolutely glowing. We were all blown away by her beauty on the stage. She must have tried on a dozen and half gowns only to come back to the first one and make the purchase! Everyone was having such a fun time laughing and dreaming of the November wedding. After they decided on the wedding dress, they began the hunt for the bridesmaid's dress. Low and behold they picked out a Bill Levkoff made of taffeta as well. It will create an elegant background for the bride as she vows her love to her groom on the altar. Last, but not least, they picked out a darling little Alfred Angelo flower girl dress to compliment the entire wedding party. What a wonderful day in the life of a bride-to-be. As always, I am amazed that I have the opportunity to be a part of so many weddings. I am thankful for my customers! I am thankful for my store!

Love never dies. It may change and morph into other sentiments, but you can't ever really bury it. You can change it, move it, hide it, but that moment of true love that you shared with another never ever completely goes away. It's an addiction...that feeling...and humans have a need to love, to be loved. to feel love.

Even just the notion of love makes a person's heart flutter. And, so many emotions come from loving. New love is elation, and hope and excitement. Whereas, old love has a history and is much more complex with the knowledge of all that is good possibly turning bad. However, no matter how difficult the love, there is that taste, that high of the forever first love.

Romantics search for that feeling constantly. Sinics choose not to waste their time knowing full well that it changes and needs hard work to maintain. But who's to say we haven't fully examined the human heart? Much like the brain, we have only touched the surface and the most obvious parts. Much more research is needed.

But, I feel certain that I am on to something.

A relationship may dissolve or move on for one reason or another, but at some point, at some time, even if it is for one brief moment or in another lifetime, that feeling of absolute true love will touch your heart again. And it will grab hold of you until you can't breath.

Celebrate love with everyone you know.
Reach out to past loves.
Reach out to new loves.
And nurture the present loves.

The heart is a muscle that needs exercise. Excercise it everyday...the old fashioned way.

FEEL LOVE

I am so excited! The new styles for fall are so adorable. Today, Mori Lee sent a huge box full of goodies! Their new tea length bridesmaids dresses are the sassiest things I've seen in a long time! Seriously, we all tried them on as soon as we took them out of the box. Taylor, who is a fashion consultant here at Formally Yours, is wearing one of the dresses to a rehearsal dinner. Lindsey, another fashion consultant, scooped one up and is wearing it to a wedding that she is invited to. I, on the other, am wearing mine around the house while doing housework, just kidding, I have an event and needed the perfect dress and found it today! So, now you know that bridesmaids dresses really can be worn again!

I often wonder why people in Atlanta feel the need to only shop inside the Perimeter(ITP). I am just north of I-285 and I am here to tell you that my store offers everything a bride needs. You see, I too am a consumer and I love to buy beautiful, finely designed fashions at the best price, so I want my customer to have the same experience at my store. I have couture designs and designer collections at great prices. Why not shop where you know you feel the most comfortable? My staff is so friendly, the environment is laid back and everyone that shops here is so excited. Most of my customers want to work here and most of my employees become my customer! So, I am just thinking that Native Atlantans and Newbie Atlantans alike need to venture outside the Perimeter (OTP). You will be amazed at what you will find! Shop at Formally Yours for your bridal dress. We can't wait to meet you!

I know that there are many lists out in the world that detail what to do after a girl becomes engaged. I am going to tell everyone, right now, exactly what to do the second she accepts the marriage proposal...START TONING UP! Seriously! I beg each and every bride, mother, and bridesmaid to begin a routine as soon as you realize that you need to shop for a dress.

Brides, you know from a lifetime of shopping that you are not going to like anything unless you feel good about yourself. Trying on wedding dresses is like trying on designer jeans. You have a vision of what you wish to look like, but then, there you are, face to face with yourself hating every inch of your skin. Why? It is not because you don't look beautiful, it's because you don't feel confident, and nobody can tell you that you look like a princess if you don't feel like one. And yes, confidence comes from the inside, but it sure helps if you feel like you have some control over your figure on the outside. And that it is what it all comes down to, control over your shape. Outsiders do not know what your body hang-ups are. Everyone has a "thing". So don't wait until you are in a salon to realize that you need to work on a certain area. Identify the problem area as soon as possible. If it is your arms, and you hate the arm flags waiving in the wind, get to work on them the day after you put that ring on your finger. If it's your abs or love handles that you hate, then get on the floor and do some sit-ups. If you just do a few workouts before you start shopping you will feel lighter and tighter and things will just feel and look better to you.

Mothers, and I am one myself, the same advice holds true for you. Do not wait until 3 months before the wedding to decide you are going to shake a few pounds. Let's face it. Your metabolism isn't what it used to be. The minute you realize that you need to buy a new, important, and usually expensive dress, put the wine glass down (after the second glass at least) or, don't eat the bread before dinner, or better yet, just give up one little desert every now and then. Again, it might just make a small difference, but your image staring back at you in the mirror will be happier because you know you are not waiting until the last minute to commit to making a change for the better. Ladies, it really isn't that hard. Just take control and get started and the whole shopping process will be much more enjoyable and less stressful.

Bridesmaids, whether you realize it or not, your bride really does want you to like the dress she has chosen. Now, even though we all know that is next to impossible, you can pretend that it is the best bridesmaids dress you've ever worn. Please, please, please, I beg you, do not cry over how you look in the dress. Just take a good, hard look at yourself in the mirror and realize that it's not the dress that makes you happy it's you and how you feel about yourself. So, if you know you need to tone up, get busy fast. Your bride will love you, and better yet the sales associates will love and appreciate you even more.

So ladies, put the fork down before you take that last bite, take an extra step somewhere in your day, or lift something a little heavier than you are accustomed. And just think, if you are not doing it for yourself, you are doing a charitable service for the people around you. Because whether you realize it or not, that is exactly what you are doing and we thank you.

Last night a customer came in to shop for a bridal gown. Lucky for her, she brought her sweet sister and adoring mother along for advice. Her sister, being just recently married herself, is the matron-of-honor, therefore, she has solid experience in wedding planning. Also, the sister knew exactly what the bride had in mind as far as style. We began the process of pulling dresses off the rack and putting them in the dressing room. One by one, she tried on the gowns and finally, she put on THE ONE! Her face lit up and tears came to everyone's eyes. I will never get tired of that moment when the bride finds the perfect wedding gown for her big day! Link over to Essense of Australia to view this magnificenet silk wedding dress, style # CD214. Another day, another happy bride...I love this job!

Everyone wants to know how the bridal industry is holding up during these tough economic times. Girls are still getting married and insist on nothing but the best for their dream day. However, brides today are not as focused on the thought that bigger is better. Today's girls are more interested in the true meaning of their day. So when people ask about the bridal industry, my response is that the mood of the bride has changed. She wants pure romance, and with that comes a change in trends from the bridal gown designers.

Nothing expresses romance better than lace. It seems that all styles of gowns have lace of some form or fashion. Whether it is top to bottom lace or simply appliques, lace is the accessory of the season. The most popular wedding gown style is the fitted, modified mermaid lace dress. Some girls prefer no beading on their gown, whereas others prefer a hint of sparkle. Again, brides today shy away from the big glitz and prefer a hint of twinkling. For those who dislike any type of sparkle at all, ribbon sashes are a beautiful way to accessorize the lace wedding gown.



Another romantic touch is the use of the mother's veil. These vintage veils add an immediate romantic feeling. This sentimental touch resonates throughout the entire wedding. For the brides who only want a touch of lace, their mother's veils are the perfect finishing touch. This creates a contemporay vintage look. This look is versatile and timeless. For these girls, designers created lace bodices with taffeta, silk or satin skirts. Some skirts are a-line while others feature the popular pick-ups. A really romantic take on these gowns is a lace border hem.



A popular trend in the bridal fashion industry is the chiffon wedding gown. The breezy flowing silhouette is ethereal. Envision standing in a garden under an array of beautiful fresh flowers with the breeze gently swaying the skirt and hemline of the gown as the bride and groom pronounce their love for one another. Better yet, picture a couple standing on the edge of a mountain or overlooking the ocean while the wind encapsulates the two as they whisper their vows to one another. The bride radiates love, and romance fills the air, as she sachets down the aisle with her veil trailing effortlessly behind her elegant chiffon gown.


Whether it's a lace gown with a cathedral veil, or a new gown with a vintage veil, a bride can find her romantic style wedding gown. If a destination wedding is the plan, chiffon gowns are typically the fashion trend. Love is in the air, so dress the part!

Blissful Brides In...Bridezillas Out

Owning a 26 year old bridal salon is the best education anyone could receive. Not only have I learned about how to run a business, but most importantly, I have learned about people. And let's face it, retail is about people. It's just that plain and simple. How many times have you gone shopping someplace where there is no customer service to be found? Or, on the contrary, you've been shopping while a saleperson hovers over you to make you feel uncomfortable. Consequently, I have noticed that customers are frustrated from their experiences, and sometimes, come barging through the front door with a well deserved chip on their shoulder. I say take a deep breath in and relax. Clearly, you haven't shopped at the right vendor that suits your needs. Not all retailers are created equal, and the majority of us are considerate with the customer's wants and needs foremost in their minds. Too often brides act out their frustrations by acting like a bridezilla. Retailers cringe at the sight of a bridezilla and have a difficult time pleasing her. However, a blissful bride who realizes that we all want to make her happy ends up with the most thorough service.

Listen up ladies: Blissful brides are in...Bridezillas are out.

I blame bridezillas on the media. Before Bridezilla, the t.v. show on WE, people actually minded their manners. Shows like this promote and applaud bad behavior. No one enjoys being around a person who is closed minded and unable to listen to new ideas. Now granted, sometimes things go array and mistakes are made, but, especially in times like these, it is important to use good old fashioned ettiquette and deal with the situation at hand. No reputable business owner will intentionally mess up a bride's wedding day. Working together to create a dream wedding creates new bonds and friendships that can last a lifetime.

Blissful brides tend to enjoy the entire process of wedding planning from beginning to end. Typically, these girls shop with a vision in mind, and with their eye on the prize. The prize is the marriage rather than the wedding. Although, the wedding is one of the most important days in a girls life, her marriage is the most important part of her life. On the journey to the altar there are many situations to meet new people, create new liaisons, and open up new opportunities. Friendships that are forged during the process can last a lifetime. Your wedding planner, the caterer, the photographer, the florist, your bridal salon fashion consultant and seamstress are people that you will work very closely with. Along with patience, communication is key when dealing with your people. It's fun and exciting to plan a wedding when everyone enjoys each other's company.

Bliss is in. Be a blissful bride. Have a blissful wedding.
Live a blissful marriage.

Gay friend or total stud

Shopping for bridesmaids dresses is never easy. Every bridesmaid has some type of issue that makes it difficult for a bride to pick a style for her girls to wear. Pregnancy and post pregnancy, breast reduction or augmentation, lap-band surgery and liposuction are things that girls need to take into consideration when picking out styles and measuring for size.
Now, add male bridesmaid to the list of complications.

Something Blue

We all know that shoes are our secret indulgence. And now it has trickled into bridal fashion. More often now, you will see brides wearing trendy shoes. Most common nowadays it's blue shoes worn to take care of the "something blue". However, back in the day my ex-sister-in-law wore cowboy boots to her catholic ceremony wedding, much to my mother's chagrin. They were perfect for her run across the church field to catch the helicopter that flew her and my brother to the reception. I once helped a bride order a gown determined by how it looked with her cowboy work boots. Her wedding reception was held in a barn. Most recently, I had a bride wear stiletto platform hot pink heels. She purchased those before she purchased her bridal gown. As it turns out, she consequently had them cut down 1/2 an inch because they caused her to be taller than her groom. However, my favorite shoe is a royal blue silk-satin pair that a bride wore. I'm not sure if it was the style or the color that fascinated me the most. They were the most beautiful shade of sapphire blue. Maybe it was the fact that the bride was so tickled with her "something blue". I'm all for the expression of self.
Go for it brides and enjoy shoe shopping.

Beautiful Advice

I spoke with an interesting woman the other day. Her daughter's wedding is just days away and she is happy and excited, and seemingly stress free. This is highly unusual for a mother of the bride to be so genuinely calm and radiant from within. We had a chance to visit for a while and she shared the most insightful advice. She compares the cost of paying for a wedding to the cost of adopting a son. After the numbers come in, clearly the wedding is an easy bargain. Gaining the love of a son is worth every penny spent on a ceremony and reception. It was a beautiful expression of unconditional love for her daughter and future son in law. I knew after speaking with her that the wedding events would go on smoothly, because clearly, she understands the true meaning of the ceremony.
People are so hung-up on unimportant details that they lose sight of the love and life that 2 people are ready to share.

Bridesmaid Etiquette

Attention all bridesmaids! When your girlfriend asked you to be in her wedding you squealed with delight and thanked her for thinking of you. Now that it is time to actually be a bridesmaid and follow through with your duties, do it with thoughtfulness and grace. Please remember that agreeing to be in a wedding is an honor, but at the same time it is an expense. You should be prepared to put aside time, money and personal opinions during your journey to your best friend's wedding.

First and foremost remember that this wedding is all about the bride. The dresses are a reflection of her personality and taste. Although some brides allow their bridesmaids to pick out their own styles and others try to find styles that the girls can potentially wear again, the etiquette is for the brides to pick out the bridesmaids gowns. She is creating a backdrop for herself and her groom. You are supposed to be in the background like a backdrop on the stage of a broadway play. She is the star, and you are part of her supporting cast. The bridesmaids should work together to make the bride look good, and if she thinks that you all look good then she will feel confident. Remember that she is spending thousands of dollars on her photos and she needs to love the story that she is illustrating in her wedding album.

Now that the dresses are picked out, it is time for you to get measured and pick your size. There are a couple of options for you. The ideal situation is for you to go to the salon where the bride is registered and get measured by those professionals. Usually, they are familiar with the designer and his or her sizing. They will measure the fullest part of your bust, the smallest part of your waist and the largest part of your hips. Think of your body like an hour glass. They will measure all of the extreme parts. In addition, they will ask you your height. Extra length may be required if you are over 5'9". After all of your numbers are written down, the salon fashion consultant will take out the size chart that pertains to that designer and plug your numbers into his or hers. Now, this part of your journey is a slippery slope. Get ready to be shocked at the size they suggest you to order. It will not be the same size as your jeans. These bridesmaids dresses have no spandex in them. Most casual wear has a percentage of spandex in the make-up of the fabric unlike these dresses that have no give to them at all. Typically, you will need to order 1-2 sizes larger than you are accustomed to. But, that is ok. Your goal is to be classy and beautiful. These dresses should fit loosely. You should not have chicken skin hanging out from your underarms or back cleavage at the back. So, when you are comfortable wearing a size 4 jeans, and the size chart states that you need to order a size 8 dress, swallow your pride and place the size 8 order. Nobody will know what size you are wearing unless you pull the tag out while you walk down the aisle. You do not to look or feel like a stuffed sausage. You will be uncomfortable and look heavy. Also, everyone looks thinner when their clothes are a little loose fitting.

Now that the size is chosen, get ready to open your wallet. Remember that you agreed to be in this wedding, and that in doing so you have a financial responsibility. If at this time you decide that you cannot afford the dress, call the bride and politely state your facts. Times are tough and the economy is bad. If the bride is your true friend, she will understand. Sometimes she will even offer to pay for part or all of your gown. The most important thing is not to skimp on size in order to save a few dollars. Usually there is an additional charge for sizing above a size 16 and for extra length. You will end up spending more money in the long run if you do not order a big enough size. Be smart, and communicate with your bride. She wants to share the most important day of her life with you. She wants you to be happy with her and love all of the decisions she has made.

Nowadays, bridesmaids cause great stress for the bride. These poor brides have enough to worry about without this added stress. Each and every bridesmaid should take responsibility for herself, do the right thing and make sure her bride is happy and as stress free as possible. Please remember, you are a reflection of your bride. You are not supposed to be looking for attention, rather you need to look classic and elegant and be a quiet reflection of the bride's taste in people and in fashion. If a problem does arise try to handle it without getting the bride involved. Bridal salons are responsible for the fit of bridesmaids dresses. They want the bride to be happy too, so they will make sure that you look and feel good. Each wedding is like a fashion show with the salons name all over it. So ultimately the salon wants everyone to look and feel good so they will look good.

Attention all bridesmaids!
Buckle up for you journey because it's going to be a bumpy yet terrifically fun and exciting ride.

Tips for Saturday shoppers

Saturday is a popular day for wedding dress shopping. We are going to recommend some helpful tips to ensure that your day out is an efficient and enjoyable one. Girls just want to have fun shopping for their big day! Before you leave your house, be sure you are organized. Some brides are more organized than others. If you are the "Monica" from FRIENDS with your 5" binder full of dividers and lamenated pictures organized by color and style you are in great shape. However, most people are not that organized, in fact, some are not organized at all. So what should one do? Set a goal for the day.

First, be prepared to communicate with your fashion consultant.The most important thing is to have a picture of your ideal wedding dress. Most fashion consultants are visual people. If you do not have any actual pictures with you, have no fear, create a visual by describing details you wish to have on your gown. For instance, some brides are traditional and have always dreamt of a white satin gown with covered buttons down the back and train. Others may be planning a destination wedding and might desire a light-weight fabric like chiffon. And then, there are girls who want a more trendy look. However, if you are having a difficult time communicating with your fashion consultant, tell them the looks that you hate. Seriously, some girls refuse to wear taffeta because they do not like the feel of it. In addition, some girls despise bows and will not even attempt to try dresses with bows attached to them. Clearly, by translating the details you do not like, you are beginning to create a vision of ideas that suit your style.

Secondly, never compromise your personal style. Sometimes, when shopping with a group of people, customers are overcome by other people's opinions. Too many times, brides-to-be fall in love with a dress only to have her mother, sister and/or girlfriends respond negatively to how she looks. It is so important at this time to focus on yourself and how you feel in the dress. Remember, it is your day that you have dreamt about your entire life. Pictures last a lifetime and are expensive. Your wedding album should be a story of your romance illustrated by your personal fashion style. Each and every bride owns her own look. Be true to yourself and you will love the final product.

Finally, on Saturdays, everyone needs to pack a bag full of patience. It is the most popular day of the week to shop. All of the bridal salons are busy and everyone is working hard to satisfy their customer. Sometimes there might even be a waiting line for a dressing room. Nonetheless, it is a fun and exciting time. Actually, it is more fun to shop when several brides are around to share in the excitement and joy, because they are the only ones who can truly relate to the feeling of that moment.

Shopping for a prom dress

The other day I received a phone call from a friend of mine in Chicago. She was totally stressed out over her daughter's prom dress or rather lack of one. My friend and her daughter were exhausted and frustrated from shopping and trying on hundreds of dresses and not finding what they wanted. Now I use the term "they" because the mother definitely has to approve of the daughter's chosen dress. Shopping for the perfect prom dress is a right of passage for teenage girls everywhere. Grab mom, make sure she has money, or at least enough to cover the difference if the dress is more than the girl can afford, hop in the car with pictures of the perfect prom dress and take off. Usually, everyone starts off in a great mood with high expectations. Of course, after about the 3rd boutique, everyone's nerves are wearing thin. Mother and daughter begin to argue, frustrations begin to brew and the whole afternoon goes up in smoke without a dress to wear. Does this sound familiar? Well, my smart friend dialed us up, and began shopping long distance. She shared her story with me and told me exactly what her daughter wanted. I told her which designers I carry, we looked on-line together, and I told her the styles I had available here at Formally Yours. After a great conversation, we agreed that I would ship her a few dresses for her daughter to try on in the comforts of her own home. I shipped the dresses to Chicago and bingo, it was a perfect match. She loved one! Everyone was thrilled to pieces and my friend was relieved to know that her job was complete and her daughter was happy. I'm just glad that people trust Formally Yours, and realize that we are here to make everyone's fashion wishes come true. Also, we are here to ease the pain for the moms who are tired of driving and wasting gas!
Just come in or call us, and trust that our fashion knowledge will guide you to your dream dress.

Prom Girls

Hey girls, speaking of finding your inner princess and our history and all, let us tell you about PROM! These highschool girls shop all over until they find the perfect dress. Thankfully, we have smart, hip, young fashion consultants to help each and every girl. We have the cutest customers with the most adorable figures who are in the know when it comes to fashion styles and trends, so they shop at Formally Yours where they know they will find the perfect prom gown for their special evening. We only have one of every style in order to insure that the best friend will not show up in the same dress. Not only do the teenagers love shopping here, but their mothers do too. They love the no hassle, relaxed atmosphere that we provide, not to mention the one stop shopping trip. The moms sit and enjoy the fashion show that their daughters provide while we continuously bring them dresses to their heart's content. After the prom dress is chosen, we finish off their look with jewelry and shoes. Everyone enjoys their experience and more often than not, our prom girls return as brides to be! It is so cool to see them as young women and reconnect on a different level. Having a 26 year old bridal shop is rewarding and yet at the same time comforting for our customers. It's old fashioned, but at the same time always new and exciting because of the ever changing fashion trends. We welcome the old and the new with tradition and history and fashion for our customers. Come in and visit our place, and if you have ever purchased a gown here in the past 26 years, bring in your pictures, because we are starting to create a Formally Yours history book.
We look forward to seeing you soon for your formal occasion, because after all, we are Formally Yours!

Repeat customers

Formally Yours is proud to serve the Atlanta area for 26 years and counting! We love the history that is created and enjoy hearing the stories of the Mothers of Brides who are now bringing their daughters in to Formally Yours to purchase their gowns in the same place they purchased theirs. For example, an old childhood neighbor and friend of mine recently came to Formally Yours with her beautiful daughter. I had not seen her in years and now here she is proudly shopping with her daughter. We reminisced about our childhood days while playing dress up with the bride. It was the most enjoyable afternoon for everyone and especially the bride because she found the dress of her dreams along with all of the accessories. Her mother shed tears of joy as her daughter stood beaming on the stage. Shopping should be fun and special and most of all, memorable. I am honored that people bring family and friends to help them find their inner princess. Let's face it, there is a little princess in us all. As women, retail therapy is the number 1 remedy for all of our ailments.
Shop with us at Formally Yours and make your wedding dreams come true.

Faviana