NOW… ABOUT MSRP AND ETHICS…
•“MSRP” stands for Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price. A “line” is a particular company or designer from whom a bridal store purchases and carries in their store. All bridal stores, who have a good history of business ethics and associate with well known, reputable designers, are required to sell at MSRP and never below. We, the bridal stores, can choose to sell over MSRP, and many of us do, so that expenses, overhead and payrolls are covered. The formula varies, geographically, and the actual profit margin is quite minimal. Most bridal store owners open shops for the quality of life which being a small business owner brings; not for the “oodles and oodles” of money people seem to think we make. Here are some of our favorite questions regarding pricing:
•WHO WILL KNOW IF YOU SELL UNDER MSRP?
We love this question. Well in reality, probably no one, unless we get mystery shopped by the company – which is happening more and more frequently. Because a lot of bridal stores are struggling with the economic turmoil, there is a lot more price competition. One bridal store may have a gown priced at MSRP and a bride comes in with an email stating that the other bridal store in the next town will sell it for $200 less. Will you match it? Unfortunately, no. A bridal store which is caught selling under MSRP can have the line revoked and any orders placed, eliminated. We are proud of the lines we carry, and will not risk losing them. However, we are not in the business of going out of business… so, no we may not match a price on a custom ordered gown that is $200 below MSRP (that’s just crazy) but, we will work with you. Periodically, we will offer free veils, discounts on shoes, accessories, bridemaids, etc. when you purchase a gown through us. Now, we know this may be bad news for brides who are on a very very tight budget these days. And we are certainly not naive. We know all brides shop around. But we will tell you this, please, please, please question WHY and HOW a bridal store is able to offer you an ordered gown that is significantly less than what you were quoted by other stores. There is, unfortunately, a lot of trans-shipping and less than ethical dealings in this industry, which should be better regulated. But we can say this – we try our best to offer our customers the best gowns at best prices, and sure, we are not going to be able to satisfy everyone… but hey, we sleep well at night.
•I REALLY REALLY LOVE… (insert your favorite designer here)… BUT YOU DON’T CARRY IT.
WE LOVE YOUR STORE AND WANT TO BUY FROM YOU. CAN YOU GET IT FOR US?
Awww… we get this all the time and we love hearing it! Thanks to all you girls who just want to buy from us!! That says alot!
As much as we would LOVE to sell you a gown and be a part of your wedding, we can only order from the lines we carry. Some might call us crazy, and some might even say that is a poor business decision. Well, let us tell it as it is. Bridal stores spend A-L-O-T of money on the designers they carry. Believe it or not, we are required to order twice a year (Spring and Fall) and typically, there is a 8 – 12 piece minimum on orders. We won’t tell you how much that sets us back, but we’ll tell you that it is a boat load of money. So, lets break this down. If bridal stores invest all that money in select lines, we obviously want to sell those select lines. When a bridal store says “yes, we can get you a line that we don’t carry” they are doing several injustices. First, they may be doing what is called “trans-shipping” (mentioned in the previous question). Trans-shipping is when bridal store A, which does not carry the line, has a connection or an “in” with bridal store B which does carry the requested line. Bridal store A tells you yes, I can order you the gown even though I don’t carry it… because they don’t want to lose the sale. Bridal store A will then take your money and place the order NOT with the manufacturer directly, but rather with bridal store B. Now, that’s all fine and dandy, but it’s an enormous risk to you. What if the dress comes in wrong, what if it is damaged, what if the dress does not come in at all, what if, what if, what if… way too many what if’s for us. So, what could happen really? Well, bridal store A does not have the backing of the manufacturer to correct the problems, but instead, has to rely on bridal store B that ordered the gown, to resolve the issues… if they are even willing to do so because they have their own customers to take care of. Ugh… what a nightmare in the making.
The other injustice, which probably hits a little harder is the fact that once a bridal store agrees to order a gown from a line which they don’t carry, they are really hurting the other bridal shops that DID really invest their hard earned money into those lines. They are taking away the sale from a store that worked hard to get that particular line. We will not partake in such ethics. There are sooooo many lines out there. If someone comes in looking for a designer we don’t carry, we send them to the shop where we know they carry it. Plain and simple. It’s an integrity thing…
And once again, we thank all those lovely ladies who plead with us to get them that dress because they want to buy from us… we know you understand… We will be happy to sell you whatever we got in our store or help you find a store which carries the line you are looking for!
Compliments of a store in PA......
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
What to look for in the right photographer.
Experience Level
Has this person photographed other weddings? Does he/she do this for a living or for fun? How many weddings has he/she done?
Photographic Style
Are the images that you are shown, what you would like to see? There are "buzz" words flying about everywhere about photojournalism, formal, classic candid, and so on. Do you want a mixture of black and white or only color photos?
Truth in Advertising
Is this the photographer that will be photographing your wedding or will they send in whomever is available. Don't be shocked, this happens more often than you can imagine. Be certain that you know which photographer is going to be there and that you see HIS/HER work and meet with that individually face to face.
Personality
Is the photographer that you meet someone that you can get along with? Is the "chemistry" there?
Appearance
Ask the photographer how he/she intends to dress. Is this person well groomed?
Price Range
Remember this will be the only way to look back on your big day. The last thing you want to do is shop by price, but is this person within your budget? If not, is he or she worth the price difference? Make sure you understand what everything costs, including discs, reprints and albums.
Delivery
How long does it take to get your proofs back, thank you cards, your finished album, your bridal portrait, etc.?
Offering
Whether it's a la carte or a package, do you understand what you are getting? Is there any room for changes and will it cost to do so? Sometimes the packages are fixed, sometimes they can be customized, in any case, ask. How much time will he/she spend? What if you need more time? Make sure that you know what's coming.
Contract
Do you understand the contract. Is it fair? Is everything spelled out? When it comes down going to court, only what is WRITTEN really counts, not what was promised. Make sure that you have no doubts before signing. Read it ALL.
What about deposits and payments? What does it say about cancellations and the photographer not being there? If the photographer protests, ask him why? This is one area NOT to take lightly. You could be disappointed for a long time.
References
A personal reference is always the best and people love to talk. Get a list of references from the photographer and check them out personally. A photographer who doesn't have references or is afraid to give them to you may not be the person that you need to hire.
Content from http://blissquarterlymagazine.com/
Has this person photographed other weddings? Does he/she do this for a living or for fun? How many weddings has he/she done?
Photographic Style
Are the images that you are shown, what you would like to see? There are "buzz" words flying about everywhere about photojournalism, formal, classic candid, and so on. Do you want a mixture of black and white or only color photos?
Truth in Advertising
Is this the photographer that will be photographing your wedding or will they send in whomever is available. Don't be shocked, this happens more often than you can imagine. Be certain that you know which photographer is going to be there and that you see HIS/HER work and meet with that individually face to face.
Personality
Is the photographer that you meet someone that you can get along with? Is the "chemistry" there?
Appearance
Ask the photographer how he/she intends to dress. Is this person well groomed?
Price Range
Remember this will be the only way to look back on your big day. The last thing you want to do is shop by price, but is this person within your budget? If not, is he or she worth the price difference? Make sure you understand what everything costs, including discs, reprints and albums.
Delivery
How long does it take to get your proofs back, thank you cards, your finished album, your bridal portrait, etc.?
Offering
Whether it's a la carte or a package, do you understand what you are getting? Is there any room for changes and will it cost to do so? Sometimes the packages are fixed, sometimes they can be customized, in any case, ask. How much time will he/she spend? What if you need more time? Make sure that you know what's coming.
Contract
Do you understand the contract. Is it fair? Is everything spelled out? When it comes down going to court, only what is WRITTEN really counts, not what was promised. Make sure that you have no doubts before signing. Read it ALL.
What about deposits and payments? What does it say about cancellations and the photographer not being there? If the photographer protests, ask him why? This is one area NOT to take lightly. You could be disappointed for a long time.
References
A personal reference is always the best and people love to talk. Get a list of references from the photographer and check them out personally. A photographer who doesn't have references or is afraid to give them to you may not be the person that you need to hire.
Content from http://blissquarterlymagazine.com/
Monday, March 14, 2011
Bridal Trends for 2011
Of course you want to keep up with what's hot, but caution on going "too trendy." Ever seen an 80s wedding photo? Enough said. LOL!
Ruffles and Frills
We're not talking about all over ruffles, although a ruffled wedding skirt can be very pretty. Instead, these are the special small details that help a dress come to life. You might look for a wedding dress with subtle ruffles on the sleeve. Or, an asymmetrical wedding dress with a feminine detail highlighting the back. These kinds of special details can help a gown feel more personal and lovely.
Backyard Weddings at Home
While getting married at home isn't necessarily cheaper, it feels more personal, allows you to have a more intimate affair, and doesn't feel ostentatious. The economy means not only that people want to spend less money, but also that they feel guilty when they do spend money. A backyard event not only helps to put your guests at ease, but also allows you to make more casual, less expensive choices elsewhere. For example, a barbeque picnic feels more appropriate at home than it would at a country club.
Homemade Wedding Favors
Though favors are an expense that's easy to eliminate, right now couples are especially grateful to guests who have incurred considerable expense to be a part of the celebration. The 2010 wedding trend is using homemade favors to express that thanks, and to send guests home with your love.
Birdcage Veils
These vintage-look veils combine a jeweled clip or feathered headpiece with netting that only covers the face. In the picture above, Drew Barrymore is wearing a birdcage veil to a recent movie premiere. Wearing one allows you to have some dramatic glamor and feel like a bride, but is a more fun look and less hassling than a long traditional veil.
Mismatched Bridesmaid Dresses
For several years, brides have been selecting a bridesmaid dress designer and a fabric, then letting their bridesmaids choose the style that works best for their bodies. But the 2010 wedding trend takes idea further. Choose only a color, then let your bridesmaids find an off-the-rack dress of any designer that they like. Not only does this take some pressure off of you, but it also ensures that women are choosing a dress they like and they'll be likely to actually wear again. If you follow this trend, be sure to tell your bridesmaids how formal the dress should be – you don't want one bridesmaid wearing a casual sundress while another has on a beaded evening gown.
Wedding Dresses: Strapless
If you're saying to yourself, "This isn't a new 2010 wedding trend!" you're right. Strapless dresses have been extremely popular for several years now. And though more brides are opting for sleeves, straps, and other ways of covering the shoulders, strapless is going to continue to be the dominant style for the near future.
Wedding Dresses: Tulle Overlay
Spring 2011 collections are using a lot of tulle overlays. Placing a soft layer of tulle over a different fabric creates a softer look and tones down the luster of high-gloss satin and silk. Lots of designers used this fabric treatment this season.
Themed Weddings
The most notable trend is theme weddings. While color has been the dictator of “theme” in the past; now the couple expresses themselves through strong themes over color. A great example of this was revealed in the premier episode of “My Fair Wedding” with David Tutera. Who has ever heard of a Swamp theme prior to June 6, 2010?
Simply create a memory to reflect on through the times of celebration and be a support during times of trials. This is one day, the cornerstone for a lifetime together, “you and me against the world”, let the little things blend into the background and bind together the important ones. Let’s start a new trend toward forever.
Jewelry
To accent your gown, jewelry follows the same dramatic elegance. Classic pearl necklaces and crystal chokers are contrasted by antique floral pendants and metallic embellishments.
Quarterly Bliss - http://www.blissquarterlymagazine.com/
Ruffles and Frills
We're not talking about all over ruffles, although a ruffled wedding skirt can be very pretty. Instead, these are the special small details that help a dress come to life. You might look for a wedding dress with subtle ruffles on the sleeve. Or, an asymmetrical wedding dress with a feminine detail highlighting the back. These kinds of special details can help a gown feel more personal and lovely.
Backyard Weddings at Home
While getting married at home isn't necessarily cheaper, it feels more personal, allows you to have a more intimate affair, and doesn't feel ostentatious. The economy means not only that people want to spend less money, but also that they feel guilty when they do spend money. A backyard event not only helps to put your guests at ease, but also allows you to make more casual, less expensive choices elsewhere. For example, a barbeque picnic feels more appropriate at home than it would at a country club.
Homemade Wedding Favors
Though favors are an expense that's easy to eliminate, right now couples are especially grateful to guests who have incurred considerable expense to be a part of the celebration. The 2010 wedding trend is using homemade favors to express that thanks, and to send guests home with your love.
Birdcage Veils
These vintage-look veils combine a jeweled clip or feathered headpiece with netting that only covers the face. In the picture above, Drew Barrymore is wearing a birdcage veil to a recent movie premiere. Wearing one allows you to have some dramatic glamor and feel like a bride, but is a more fun look and less hassling than a long traditional veil.
Mismatched Bridesmaid Dresses
For several years, brides have been selecting a bridesmaid dress designer and a fabric, then letting their bridesmaids choose the style that works best for their bodies. But the 2010 wedding trend takes idea further. Choose only a color, then let your bridesmaids find an off-the-rack dress of any designer that they like. Not only does this take some pressure off of you, but it also ensures that women are choosing a dress they like and they'll be likely to actually wear again. If you follow this trend, be sure to tell your bridesmaids how formal the dress should be – you don't want one bridesmaid wearing a casual sundress while another has on a beaded evening gown.
Wedding Dresses: Strapless
If you're saying to yourself, "This isn't a new 2010 wedding trend!" you're right. Strapless dresses have been extremely popular for several years now. And though more brides are opting for sleeves, straps, and other ways of covering the shoulders, strapless is going to continue to be the dominant style for the near future.
Wedding Dresses: Tulle Overlay
Spring 2011 collections are using a lot of tulle overlays. Placing a soft layer of tulle over a different fabric creates a softer look and tones down the luster of high-gloss satin and silk. Lots of designers used this fabric treatment this season.
Themed Weddings
The most notable trend is theme weddings. While color has been the dictator of “theme” in the past; now the couple expresses themselves through strong themes over color. A great example of this was revealed in the premier episode of “My Fair Wedding” with David Tutera. Who has ever heard of a Swamp theme prior to June 6, 2010?
Simply create a memory to reflect on through the times of celebration and be a support during times of trials. This is one day, the cornerstone for a lifetime together, “you and me against the world”, let the little things blend into the background and bind together the important ones. Let’s start a new trend toward forever.
Jewelry
To accent your gown, jewelry follows the same dramatic elegance. Classic pearl necklaces and crystal chokers are contrasted by antique floral pendants and metallic embellishments.
Quarterly Bliss - http://www.blissquarterlymagazine.com/
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Buying a Gown Online
Why NOT buy a wedding gown online?
It is all over the internet now to buy online. Well let me get right down to business.
You can work with real people and support your local community, or you can take a CHANCE and get some crazy chinese knock off that isn't real!
Bridal Shops are not out to just TAKE your MONEY.
We have been in this business for many years. We spend a great deal of time making decisions as to what we will and will not bring into our stores for our Brides.
We spend a great deal of MONEY traveling to our markets to make decisions as well as paying for the actual inventory that we have in our stores. (Yes ladies, the dresses that you are seeing in a Bridal Shop are not Free! On average a Bridal Salon of 2,000 - 4,000 square feet has about 250K+ in retail inventory)
Brick and Motar Bridal Shops are NOT here for you to use us as a place to TRY ON DRESSES and buy online.
If you are going to go to a Bridal Shop then please respect the time, energy and knowledge that each consultant has that is working with you.
We as Bridal Shop Owners spend a great deal of time and money training our staff as well to be top knotch!
Buying at a Bridal Shop you get the follwing:
1.One on one service for you and your party
2.Expert knowlege in trends, fashions, and details about that particular dress.
3.The fact that you have worked with someone personally and not with some IP address in main land china.
4.In many cases you will actually save money in the long run with the ad on services that you receive from the shop that you are working with (Such as discounts on bridesmaids, tuxedos, accessories, veils, headpieces, steaming and potentially storage)
5.Hopefully it is someone local so you can actually go and see them, they are invested in you as well as your community. They are providing jobs for your local economy.
These are just a few things. The internet is a crazy place, you don't know who are what you are dealing with!
It is all over the internet now to buy online. Well let me get right down to business.
You can work with real people and support your local community, or you can take a CHANCE and get some crazy chinese knock off that isn't real!
Bridal Shops are not out to just TAKE your MONEY.
We have been in this business for many years. We spend a great deal of time making decisions as to what we will and will not bring into our stores for our Brides.
We spend a great deal of MONEY traveling to our markets to make decisions as well as paying for the actual inventory that we have in our stores. (Yes ladies, the dresses that you are seeing in a Bridal Shop are not Free! On average a Bridal Salon of 2,000 - 4,000 square feet has about 250K+ in retail inventory)
Brick and Motar Bridal Shops are NOT here for you to use us as a place to TRY ON DRESSES and buy online.
If you are going to go to a Bridal Shop then please respect the time, energy and knowledge that each consultant has that is working with you.
We as Bridal Shop Owners spend a great deal of time and money training our staff as well to be top knotch!
Buying at a Bridal Shop you get the follwing:
1.One on one service for you and your party
2.Expert knowlege in trends, fashions, and details about that particular dress.
3.The fact that you have worked with someone personally and not with some IP address in main land china.
4.In many cases you will actually save money in the long run with the ad on services that you receive from the shop that you are working with (Such as discounts on bridesmaids, tuxedos, accessories, veils, headpieces, steaming and potentially storage)
5.Hopefully it is someone local so you can actually go and see them, they are invested in you as well as your community. They are providing jobs for your local economy.
These are just a few things. The internet is a crazy place, you don't know who are what you are dealing with!
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