Wedding trends for 2018 we love!!

Wedding Wire came out with a list of wedding trends in 2018 and here are just a few that we love!

New Age Bohemian Style – Although rustic will always be on trend here in Texas 😊, we also love the refreshing, casual feel of boho style. This is ideal for that bride that wants a laid-back vibe but doesn’t want such a country feel. A Lilian West gown would be the perfect centerpiece to a boho-inspired wedding!

Darker, richer hues – Chiffon and blush tones have had their moment and will always be a beautiful option but 2018 is all about richness! Think bolder tones with richer fabrics! And keep in mind that you can pull off these deeper hues year-round! Try bringing in accent colors that are bolder…If you want blush bridesmaids' dresses, try accenting them with some roses in a deep wine tone.

Velvet – Velvet is BACK! And it is not just for the winter anymore. Think about bringing in this richer fabric on a cocktail table in a seasonal color. Need something blue? Try some soft blue velvet heels for a stunning detail that is right on trend. The velvet is an unexpected choice that will really set your wedding apart.

Check out the entire list here!! --> https://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-ideas/2018-wedding-trends

Wedding Gown Alterations - What you need to know

When it comes to wedding gowns, every bride dreams of that perfect dress with the perfect fit. What brides may not realize going into the shopping experience is that a dress most likely will not fit perfectly when it arrives. A majority of wedding gowns will need at least some alterations.

Before ordering a special order gown for any customer we take bust, waist, and hip measurements. We then look at the specific designer size chart (because each designer has their own size chart - of course they don't make it easy for us retailers!). This will also help us know what may be needed in terms of alterations. For example - a customer may be a size 8 in the bust but a size 12 based on their waist measurement. We always recommend ordering off the largest measurements. Why? Because gowns can be taken in but they can not necessarily be taken out. We want to make sure the dress will be able to achieve that perfect fit, even if it means having the seamstress take it in!

Since we do not offer in house alterations, this can be a bit of a challenge as brides want to know how much alterations will cost them. This is tricky because there are several things that will factor into the price. It depends on the material, what exactly needs to be done, if there is a lot of intricate bead work (beading will certainly be more expensive), how many layers need to be hemmed, and if there is lace lining hemline. Although we can't give an exact number, we can usually tell if the dress will be on the higher end to alter or on the lower end. It is important to factor the cost of alterations into your wedding gown budget (we'll talk a little more about average costs below).

To help guide you, we turned an expert in the field, Sabrina Garcia, with Divine Alterations in Round Rock. She is our preferred seamstress and have worked closely with her since the day we opened.

1. When should a bride bring her dress in for alterations and how many fittings can she expect to have?

Two to three month before the wedding (or bridal portraits if any) is best to start alterations. 2-4 fitting are usually required for a wedding dress.

2. What is the average cost of alterations? This is certainly a broad question as it can vary so much but is there a high/low average?

On the low side alteration can be as low as $180-280 if not much alterations are needed and/or it's a fairly simple dress. On the high side alterations can be as much as $800-1000 if the dress has lots of beading or lace, or if it needs extensive alterations and/or needs to be modified from its original design. Usually hemlines are the most expensive part on a wedding dress alteration. If the dress has a lace hem line alterations just for the hem can cost $300-400.

3. What is one thing you wish brides new before coming in for alterations?

- That they bring their shoes and undergarments to each fitting.

- That they mention all the alterations they need on their first fitting that way we can lock in a price. For example if they want the belt sewn in or to add buttons or straps, it's best that they mention all these details on the first fitting rather than on the second or third fitting in order to avoid price changes.

- That they mention to me if they are in the process of loosing weight that way we can start first fitting closer to the date rather than too soon.

- That they mention to me if they are pregnant that way we can coordinate fittings accordently.

4. We always order dresses the appropriate size for each bride but often times they are in between sizes. Is it best to order too big or too small, and why?

Ordering bigger is always best as sometimes dresses don't have that much fabric to be let out.

I really hope this helps all you brides out there shopping for a wedding dress. Always remember to set a budget for your dress and keep in mind you'll need to also pay for alterations. Although we can't give quotes on alteration costs, we will always do our best to help guide you and help you find that perfect dress with (hopefully) minimal alterations!

We always love hearing from brides or newly weds...Is there something we missed or you wish you had known before your alterations appointment? Send us an email to amourbridaltexas@gmail.com

For all your formal wear alteration needs be sure to check out Sabrina and her team of awesome seamstresses at:

http://www.thedivineco.com/

(512) 272-8963

1100 Round Rock Ave,

Round Rock, TX 7868

About Amour Bridal

A lot of people ask me how Amour Bridal came to be so I thought it was time to share a little history about our company!

We opened our doors in July of 2015, just over 1 month from my own wedding which was May 23, 2015. I had always wanted to run my own business and in 2012 earned my MBA from the University of Massachusetts. That was my first step to following my dream! I moved to Austin in 2012 with my now husband and worked a few different jobs trying to find my way. I knew if I started a business it had to be something that I was totally passionate about and willing to sacrifice so much of my life to get it started.

Fast forward to 2014 when I started looking for my own dream wedding dress. I was shocked that there were no bridal stores in the towns north of Austin! Nothing in Round rock, nothing in Cedar Park, 2 of the fastest growing areas in the country! How could that be?

I wanted to offer a more convenient option to brides in these areas. Having a background in customer service I knew I could offer the best experience around and sell dresses at affordable prices! With the help and support of my husband and parents we started to plan and opened our doors. It has now been over two and a half years and we have grown so much! This past year we hired our first few associates. Read on to meet our amazing staff!

Kristen Fitzpatrick

Owner

As the owner of Amour Bridal I do a little bit of everything! I work directly with many brides, but also do everything else for the business from accounting to attending bridal markets to pick out new merchandise. When I am not at the store I am spending time with my 1 year old daughter and husband!

What is my favorite things about working at Amour Bridal?

The look on a customers face when she has found the dress! It is truly a special moment where the customer feels beautiful and envisions herself walking down the aisle on her wedding day.

Ashley Swoda

Bridal Consultant

Ashley is here to help our brides find their dream dress! You can usually find her here on Thursdays and Fridays and the occasional weekend. When she's not here she's spending time with her family. With a 5 year old and 3 year old they keep her plenty busy!

What is her favorite thing about working at Amour Bridal?

My favorite thing about working at Amour Bridal is simply being part of the process of finding “the one”. I usually feel like I’m just part of the family and I’m experiencing that exciting moment along with them. I love that!

Anne Murray

Bridal Constultant

Anne joins us all the way from Ireland! She worked for a bridal boutique in Dublin before coming back over the states to be with her daughter and to be closer to her son. Her main responsibility is working with brides to find the perfect dress! You can usually find her here Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays! In her spare time she enjoys listening to music.

What is her favorite thing about working at Amour Bridal?

That the greatest care is given to each bride with great customer service.

Katia Copeland

Bridal Consultant

Katia works one day a week at Amour Bridal (Saturdays) as a bridal consultant. She also works full time and even coaches volleyball!

What is her favorite thing bout working for Amour Bridal?

My favorite thing about working at Amour Bridal is getting to see all the new dresses that come in. Learning that each dress will look different on each customer that tries it on and seeing the brides transform in the dress they choose.

Brenda Boyce

Senior Bridal Consultant

Brenda has been with Amour Bridal since day one! Well even before that because she's my MOM! These days she only works 1 or 2 days a week when needed and a couple days a week she gets to spend time with her first and only granddaughter (thanks mom!). Her career has been spent as a registered nurse as well as working on the education side of the nursing industry. She enjoys biking and skiing in her free time. Amour Bridal would not be where it is today with out her help!

What is her favorite thing about working at Amour Bridal?

Every bride is different. I love learning about each bride and helping them find the perfect dress to fit their personality.

Have you had an amazing experience with one of our team members? If so, please share your experience in the comment section below!