A Trunk Show for Bridesmaids & How to Save Money On A Wedding Dress

LulaKate Trunk Show for Bridesmaids

LulaKate is a Charleston, S.C.-based clothing company featuring bridal, bridesmaid and cocktail dress collections. It will be holding a trunk show at Bella Bridesmaid in Winter Park June 9-11. Bella Bridesmaid boutiques offer a refreshing and unique experience for the bridesmaid (and bride) to get personalized, one-on-one attention to select bridesmaid gowns from a variety of chic designers. Bella Bridesmaid carries LulaKate dresses, but for the trunk show it will have a few new styles as well as three bridal gowns (Bella Bridesmaid’s main feature is bridesmaid dresses and rarely has bridal gowns, so this is a special treat for maids and brides alike). LulaKate designs have become so popular because of their ability to mix-n-match styles, therefore bridesmaids can select something to not only match their tastes but flatter their figures as well. I simply adore LulaKate for their fresh approach to wedding fashion – these dresses are fun, sassy and, best of all, reusable for parties, cocktail functions and so much more. For additional information and to reserve your space at the event visit www.bellabridesmaid.com <http://www.bellabridesmaid.com>  or call 407.744.7754.


4 Ways to Save Money On Your Wedding Dress

I’m a huge fan of bargain shopping, even wedding gowns. Here are 4 ways to save money and still get the dress of your dreams:   

1. Shop last year’s collections. Bridal boutiques, department stores and online retailers need to make space for new inventory, so you’ll find discounts on styles from last season (right now it would be spring/summer 2010). Call ahead to your targeted stores to find out what inventory and sales they are currently running (and for what designers), then make an appointment to try on some gowns. You can also find some local vendors in our online wedding resource guide at orlwedding.com.

2. Attend a trunk show. Bridal boutiques hold trunk shows throughout the year. Trunk shows feature a particular designer – typically present at the show for personal fittings – and their current collections. Most events like this offer a discount on dresses purchased during the event (anywhere from 10-15%). This is a great way to get a designer gown in a current collection, receive a discount and get a personal session with the designer. Check out our blog regularly as we post upcoming trunk shows. Or you can visit your favorite bridal boutiques’ websites and also do a search for “events and/or trunk shows” on any search engine for details on dates/times.

3. Check consignment stores. Most consignment or thrift stores carry new and gently used wedding gowns and bridal accessories in a wide variety styles. Stores that specialize in bridal resale also hold incoming consignments at a higher standard. In other words, no junk, especially if they offer designer seconds. You can find couture designer wedding dresses in great condition and at drastically reduced prices. It’s great option for someone who is open to finding something different – especially vintage dresses, which are one of the hottest trends in wedding themes/styles this year. Some local stores that specialize in bridal selections are Classic Consignment (436 in Altamonte Springs) and Dejavu (Orange Ave. among "Antique Row," Orlando). You can also find dresses at Goodwill (Orange Ave, Winter Park).

4.  Search online. Websites like Ebay and Craigslist offer endless opportunities to find bridal gowns and accessories in any style and size, and at drastically reduced prices than in a store. The only downside is you are buying based on a picture, and you don’t have the chance to try it on prior to purchase. Check with the seller to see if they have policies. If they don’t offer returns, do your research ahead of time about designers, styles and fit. Arm yourself with the information you need to make a smart purchase so you won’t be out a lot of money if the dress doesn’t fit. But remember, you can always have a slightly larger dress altered to fit; just be sure to build that option into your budget and your timetable. Online searching can also be time-consuming. Start early and be patient because so many great gowns are available.