Shopping for your wedding dress for the
first time is a thrilling experience, but it can also be a bit overwhelming. To
help you navigate this important milestone with ease and excitement, here’s a
guide on what to expect and how to make the most of your bridal shopping
experience.
1. Book Your Appointment in Advance
One of the first steps in your wedding dress shopping journey is to book an appointment at a bridal store near you. If you’re looking at popular bridal stores in New Jersey or luxury bridal shops, it’s essential to schedule your appointment well ahead of time. This ensures that you get the date and time that works best for you and allows the salon to prepare for your visit. Many top bridal boutiques offer personalized experiences, so planning ahead will help you make the most of your time. Castle Couture is a bridal salon located in Manalapan, New Jersey that carries an array of luxury bridal dresses. At Castle Couture we suggest booking your bridal appointment about two weeks in advance so you can select your desired appointment date and time.
2. Come with an Open Mind
When shopping for your wedding gown, it’s
important to approach the experience with an open mind. While you might have a
specific vision of your dream dress, you may fall in love with something
entirely unexpected. Couture bridal gowns, in particular, can offer unique and
stunning designs that may differ from your original idea. Be open to trying on
various styles, silhouettes, and fabrics. You might discover a gown that you
hadn’t initially considered but that feels perfect for you.
3. Bring the People You Love Most
Your wedding dress shopping experience is
a special occasion, and sharing it with those you love can make it even more
memorable. Bring along friends, family, or anyone whose opinion you trust and
value. Their support can be invaluable, providing emotional reassurance and
helpful feedback. Just be mindful of keeping your group to a manageable size to
avoid feeling overwhelmed by too many opinions.
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Say Yes
Once you find a gown that makes you feel
extraordinary, don’t hesitate to say “yes!” Trust your instincts and embrace
the moment. It’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and nervousness, but if a
dress feels right and makes you glow, it’s likely the one for you. Remember,
this is your special moment, and choosing a wedding gown that resonates with
your personal style is key.
Final Thoughts
Shopping for your wedding dress is a
unique and personal experience. By booking your appointment in advance, staying
open to new possibilities, involving your loved ones, and trusting your own
feelings, you can ensure a memorable and joyful experience. Whether you’re
exploring wedding gowns in Manalapan New Jersey or anywhere in the tri-state,
savor every moment as you find the perfect couture bridal gown to make your
wedding day truly unforgettable.
Hello beautiful brides! Today we are super excited to
talk to you about our brand new Crown
Room! This is an elevated bridal experience fit for royalty! You’ll feel
like a princess every step of the way with our beautifully handcrafted couture
dresses, delicious hors d’oeuvres, bubbly, and the top notch skills of our
master stylists.
To make your experience
even more magical, we have provided 4 packages that you can upgrade to in the
Crown Room!
Our first package is The Crown Package! This is already a step up from our bridal showroom because you are allowed 5 guests with you rather than 4! On top of the extra guest added, you receive a beverage cart with still or sparkling water, a sweet cart, and a 1.5 hour appointment! Our next package is called The Waltz Package and includes a beverage cart with still or sparkling water, bubbly, a sweet or savory cart, personalized photos of you and your fiance around the bridal suite, and a video message from your fiance prior to your appointment! The Chapel Package is next and includes an upgrade to 7 guests allowed, a beverage cart with still or sparkling water, bubbly, a sweet or savory cart, gifted champagne flutes, a 2.5 hour appointment, personalized photos of you and your fiance around the bridal suite, and a video message from your fiance prior to your appointment! The final package is The Cathedral Package which includes an upgrade to 8 guests allowed, a beverage cart with still or sparkling water, bubbly, a sweet or savory cart, gifted champagne flutes, a 2.5 hour appointment, personalized photos of you and your fiance around the bridal suite, and a video message from your fiance prior to your appointment!
As
you can see we have truly created an elevated bridal experience here at Castle
Couture! If this is something you are interested in you can call us at
732-617-1414 to speak to one of our Crown Room Coordinators who can help you
set up all the details. We are so excited to see all of our beautiful new
brides here soon! For some Crown Room sneak peaks and even more bridal content
follow us on Instagram at @castlecouturebridal!
There is so much to do when it comes to planning the perfect wedding day. From finding the perfect venue, dress, ring and of course the perfect soul mate, it can be easy to overlook some small but majorly important details! This week we’re going to chat about all things veils and everything you need to know when shopping for one.
A Style For Everyone
Each and every bride is so unique and it is so important that they have a veil that will express her special qualities. Here we will break down the different lengths, styles and looks you can rock on your special day!
We chatted with Castle Couture’s Accessories Manager, Cathy Fratangelo, to see what advice she had to give for brides that are still in search of a veil. “My advice is always to be open-minded and remember to have the gown as your main focus. I like to think of accessories as the “icing on the cake” it is what really ties a look together. I always tell my brides to try on different things, because pictures are forever and this is how you want to be remembered.”
The Princess Bride
If you’re the bride who is looking to truly tie in the fairytale factor on your big day, nothing screams happily ever after more than a cathedral veil! (https://www.instagram.com/p/BxkSoC0hJW6/) These veils can be beautifully embellished with lace or beadwork and drape so elegantly behind you as you walk down the aisle to the love of your life. They can range from 117” up to however many feet you’d like, as long as time permits for customizations. These veils are the perfect amount of drama and elegance all in one.
The Classic Bride
If you aren’t looking for the drama and are in search of a more timeless, classic look than a fabulous fingertip veil (https://www.instagram.com/p/B4fvk4OBLua/) may be the perfect style for you. Fingertip veils, just like cathedrals, can range from being heavily embellished, have intricate lace or simple tulle. A hot style in the world of bridal is wearing a crystalline tulle on your big day.
The Custom Bride
One of the most fabulous things about your wedding day is that you have the luxury of making every call and picking out every minor detail. This rule especially applies when it comes to your gown, veil, and jewelry. One of the most exciting parts about accessory shopping is that this could be your chance to tie in your whole look to be everything you’ve ever wanted. Here at Castle Couture, you’re able to sit down with one of our stylists and describe exactly what you are looking for when it comes to not only your veil but your headpiece and jewelry as well. We can customize just about every and anything ; whether it is the length, extra appliques, a change in beadwork or anything else you could imagine, here we are able to personalize your look to make a one of a kind piece for yourself.
Not Just Your Basic Ivory
While on the topic of custom pieces, not every bride has the luxury of picking out every small detail for their big day usually due to time. We always recommend a bride to purchase her veil along with her gown, this way you can ensure that the two are a perfect match. If you don’t have the luxury to pick out your accessories the day you find your dream dress, we still have you covered! In stock, we have everything from white, ivory, champagne and even black veils. This is something we pride ourselves in because we are able to help each and every one of our brides.
Blusher vs No Blusher
This is a question that brides ask more often than not. Are blushers in? Do they have to wear them? Is it a tradition? Our job is the ensure and remind you that this is your special day and there truly is no style that is “in” anymore. Each bride is extremely unique and so are their wishes for their wedding day. We tried getting to the bottom of the blusher vs no blusher debate and reached out once again to our Accessories Manager, Cathy Fratangelo. Cathy concluded that about 75% of our brides decide not to wear a blusher down the aisle, while the other quarter continues to rock this style on their big day. One trend she did note in regards to the brides who do choose to wear blushers is that they are purchasing a style that is longer than the blusher that their parents may have worn.
Common Questions
I didn’t purchase my veil the day I bought my wedding dress, can I still shop for one?
Of course, you can! Stop in anytime during operating hours to work with a skilled stylist and find the veil that suits you and your gown best. Keep in mind, it can take about four to five months for certain styles to arrive
How long does it take to order a veil?
A standard veil can take about four months to come in and a customized veil can take about six months to arrive.
Do I wear my veil all night?
You can do whatever you prefer, but a majority of our brides do tend to take the veil off after the ceremony. This way they can take photos with the veil, say their “I do’s,” and still be able to dance the night away!
If you’re interested in setting up an accessories appointment give us a call at 732-617-1414 and we’d love to help you find the perfect veil!
You have your stunning bridal gown, now it’s time to jazz it up with some fabulous accessories! Bridal gowns are all so unique, but what makes your look different and custom to you is the way you accessorize. From your earrings to your veil to your purse there is an endless amount of ways for a bride to make her look exclusive and catered to her style. Let’s break down all the accessories you should check out next time you’re at Castle Couture!
Add Some Sparkle!
Diamonds truly are a girl’s best friend so adding some bling to your big day look is exactly what you need to enhance any bridal look. Every gown, no matter the style, should have a pair of earrings. Whether this is a classic stud, glistening teardrop or bold hoop any earring will bring the eye up from your beautiful gown to your eyes. A big question we receive is typically in regards to when is it “too much” when it comes to accessorizing. We never believe it is ever “too much” it is really up to the bride and her personality as to how much bling she wants to have. It is the bride’s big day and everything should be catered to her liking and preferences.
If you are one of those brides who happen to love lots of bling, we have you covered! Castle Couture offers an array of bracelets, necklaces, earrings and much more when it comes to our jewelry selection. Whether you are looking for fine jewelry to treat yourself with or something more simple like Swarovski crystals we have something for every bride.
Grab a Bridal Bag
An accessory that is commonly overlooked would be a purse for the bride. The purses we have available at Castle Couture are beyond beautiful. They range from ivory, silver and even pops of color all embellished with glamourous beads that will enhance any bridal day look. Lots of brides always worry about what bag to bring because like anyone they have their necessities that need to be taken care of such as their phone, lipstick, mints/gum or anything else you may need to have right on hand that day. The pursues we sell her at Castle Couture are a perfect size, most are about seven inches long, ideal for fitting in an iPhone and a couple of other must-haves.
The Perfect Veil
Veils are one of our favorite accessories here! They are such a fun way to add to your look and really enhance your dress overall. There are a few different styles of veils, some popular ones include cathedral, fingertip, elbow, and chapel! Let’s quickly break down the difference between each so you can ask to see some at your next accessory appointment. Starting from the top would be the elbow. This length is just as it sounds, it ends at your elbow! Just how a fingertip veil literally ends at your fingertips. Both are extremely common styles, they are easy to work with, stay very well in most hairstyles and can be left on all night (if you wanted!) The next length brings us to chapel, this one goes a little past your ankles and closely follows behind you on floor. This is a very traditional look and is beautiful with a simple sheath gown. The longest veil of these four is the cathedral length. This veil is at least 100 inches and gives us extreme princess vibes. To learn more about what veil is right for you and everything you need to know about what a blusher is and how to wear one, check out our previous blog, Veil 101 (https://www.castlecouturenj.com/blog/post/2019/12/14/veils-101-how-to-find-the-perfect-veil/). We sat down to chat with one of our accessory stylists, Alice Seepesaud and asked what advice she would give to a bride who is beginning to shop for veils. “I always love to encourage my brides to go with a cathedral length veil. No matter how long or short your train is, a cathedral veil will complete your bridal look and add drama to your gown. Also, try and keep the detailing of the veil simple. Let your dress speak for itself!”
When to Shop?
We always encourage our brides to purchase their bridal accessories the same day they purchase their bride gowns, but of course, that is not always the case. If you are one of our beautiful brides who did not say yes to these accessories the day you found your dream dress, you can always search for accessories the day you come in for your Try on Gown appointment. A Try on Gown appointment is when you come into the boutique to try on the gown that was ordered for you to ensure everything is perfect. At that time, you can meet with our accessory stylists so they can bring over different styles of veils, jewelry, handbags and even show you the selection of Badgley Mischka shoes that we offer! Stop in anytime during operating hours so we can help you find the perfect accessories.
You have your stunning bridal gown, now it’s time to jazz it up with some fabulous accessories! Bridal gowns are all so unique, but what makes your look different and custom to you is the way you accessorize. From your earrings to your veil to your handbag, there are an endless number of ways for a bride to make her look exclusive and catered to her style. Let’s break down all the accessories you should check out next time you’re at Castle Couture!
Add Some Sparkle!
Diamonds truly are a girl’s best friend, so adding some bling to your wedding day look is exactly what you need to enhance any bridal look. Every bridal gown, no matter the style, should have a pair of earrings. Whether this is a classic stud, glistening teardrop, or bold hoop, any earring will bring the eye up from your beautiful gown to your eyes. A big question we receive is typically in regard to when it is “too much” when it comes to accessorizing. We never believe it is ever “too much”; it is really up to the bride and her personality as to how much bling she wants to have. It is the bride’s big day and everything should be catered to her liking and preferences.
If
you are one of those brides who happens to love lots of bling, we have you covered!
Castle Couture offers an array of bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and much more
when it comes to our jewelry selection. Whether you are looking for fine
jewelry to treat yourself with or something simpler like Swarovski crystals, we
have something for every bride.
Grab a Bridal Bag
An accessory that is commonly overlooked would be an evening bag or clutch for the bride. The special occasion purses we have available at Castle Couture are beyond beautiful. They range from ivory and silver to pops of color, all embellished with glamorous beads that will enhance any bridal look. Lots of brides worry about what handbag to bring because, like anyone, they have their necessities that need to be taken care of, such as their phone, lipstick, mints/gum, or anything else you may need to have right on hand that day. The evening bags we sell here are a perfect size: Most are about seven inches long, which is ideal for fitting in a cell phone and a couple of other must-haves.
The Perfect Veil
Veils are one of our favorite accessories! They are such a fun way to add to your look and really enhance your dress overall. There are a few different styles of veils. Some popular ones include elbow, fingertip, chapel, and cathedral! Let’s quickly break down the difference between each so you can ask to see some at your next bridal accessory appointment. Starting from the top would be the elbow. This length is just as it sounds: It ends at your elbow! Just how a fingertip veil literally ends at your fingertips. Both are extremely common styles, they are easy to work with, stay very well in most hairstyles, and can be left on all night (if you want!). The next length brings us to chapel: This one goes a little past your ankles and closely follows behind you on floor. This is a very traditional look and is beautiful with a simple sheath gown. The longest veil of these four is the cathedral length. This veil is at least 100 inches long and gives extreme princess vibes. To learn more about what veil is right for you and everything you need to know about what a blusher is and how to wear one, check out our previous blog, Veil 101. We sat down to chat with one of our accessory stylists, Alice Seepersaud, and asked what advice she would give to a bride who is beginning to shop for veils. “I always love to encourage my brides to go with a cathedral length veil. No matter how long or short your train is, a cathedral veil will complete your bridal look and add drama to your gown. Also, try and keep the detailing of the veil simple. Let your dress speak for itself!”
When to Shop?
We always encourage our brides to purchase their bridal accessories the same day they purchase their wedding gowns, but, of course, that is not always the case. If you are one of our beautiful brides who did not say yes to these accessories the day you found your dream dress, you can always search for accessories the day you come in for your Try on Gown appointment. (A Try on Gown appointment is when you come into the boutique to try on the gown that was ordered for you and to ensure everything is perfect.) At that time, you can meet with our accessory stylists so they can bring over different styles of veils, jewelry, and handbags, and even show you the selection of Badgley Mischka bridal shoes that we offer!
Stop
in anytime during operating hours or book an appointment so we can help you
find the perfect accessories.
Allure Bridals’ new Disney Fairy Tale Weddings Collection
How to Take Your Disney Themed Wedding to the Next Level
Nothing screams romance like a handsome prince charming, gorgeous princess, and a little bit of magic. Now what has all of this fabulousness in one place? Disney! Disney is one of our favorite wedding themes here at Castle Couture. (It’s almost too fitting!) This blog post is going to be for all of our Disney lovers and give them all our favorite Disney wedding ideas. We are going to cover decorations, favors, accessories, and more!
Accessorize
in Disney!
Your wedding day is truly focused on the bride and groom, which means all eyes will be on the two of you, so for both of you to look your best is a must! Some of our favorite touches of Disney to tie in with your look is in your shoes. Heels (or even sneakers!) with Disney decals have us totally gushing. It makes for a great photo op and an adorable way to tie in your whole Disney theme even further. More options for the bride’s accessories would be to wear some simple Disney-themed jewelry. Whether you want to do a simple Minnie Mouse stud, a bangle, or a simple charm necklace, it’s so easy to elegantly blend it in with your whole look. As for the groom, we are loving the looks of these fun cufflinks and adorable socks.
Disney
Wedding Favors
We are always reminding our brides that one of the most special parts of your wedding day is the time that is shared with your loved ones. Family and friends take time to travel and celebrate the love you and your significant other have for one another and nothing could ever top that. That’s why we think it is so important to thank them in a creative and meaningful way! Coming up with a wedding favor that is something they’ll not only enjoy but want to keep forever to remember your big day is such an honor.
When hosting a Disney wedding, here are some adorable favor ideas that your guests are bound to love. We found these charming Mickey Mouse Key Bottle Openers and thought it would be such a great addition to any wedding. If you’re looking for a more customized wedding favor, try doing engraved glasses or fun, celebration buttons! Disney is famous for gifting their visitors buttons to celebrate their birthday, first time in Disney, anniversary, and so much more. Creating a button that celebrates the marriage between you and your love is adorable and totally on-theme for us Disney lovers!
Disney
Wedding Gowns
At Castle Couture, we do not think that only one certain style of a wedding gown fits a Disney theme. Each Disney princess is so unique and beautiful in her own way, just like our Castle Couture brides. As long as you find a dress you love, that gown can fit into any theme you are going for! But if you are looking for that truly Disney-inspired gown, Allure has recently announced that they will be launching their Disney Fairy Tale Weddings Collection. This amazing collection was inspired by Disney Princesses and is really designed for that classic princess bride style. They have a gown for nearly every popular princess and styles that will cater to all looks.
Disney
Decorations
Now that you have your look and the gifts for your guests covered, it’s time to decorate for the wedding! Centerpieces are everything when sitting at the table, so you need to make sure to wow your guests. This Beauty and The Beast-inspired centerpiece is everything and more. It is romantic, gorgeous, and a perfect size for your guests to still enjoy the company of their table and being able to chat directly across from one another. Another Disney-inspired centerpiece would be to use a mid-sized Cinderella’s carriage as a table runner as a perfect way to engage your theme.
Now that your tables are perfectly filled with Disney, it’s time to take a look around the rest of the reception. You can find simple Disney-inspired cake toppers, engraved champagne flutes, or even get creative and name your guests’ tables! For example, instead of the basic “table 1,” you can turn a table into “Space Mountain” or “Princess Aurora.” You can even go as far as turning your average guest book into a “Be Our Guest” book.
Our store manager, Caitlin Arvanites, is the biggest Disney guru we know. Arvanites spent her big day in Disney celebrating at the Wedding Pavilion and having her ceremony at the Grand Floridian. We wanted to know what made her choose Disney and her answer made us fall in love with this entire wedding theme! “Disney is more than just a place; it is a feeling that you have when you are there. It is known as ‘The Happiest Place on Earth’ where magic happens every day. Why wouldn’t you want to get married here?”
If you are as big of Disney fans as we are, send an email to PR@castlecouturenj.com and let us know how you are planning your Disney-themed wedding!
Your designer bridal gown will be custom-made for you
Wedding Dress Timeline: I’m Ready to Buy My Gown, What’s Next?
Congratulations! You are finally shopping for the wedding dress of your dreams. We’re sure you have a million questions, but, no worries, we have your back. This week we’re going to go over everything you need to know when it comes to the time frame of dress shopping.
When Do
I Start Wedding Dress Shopping?
The ideal time to begin wedding dress shopping would be about one year before you tie the knot. Now, this may sound like it is too soon, but you’ll understand why shortly. Gowns can take about nine months to arrive and you still need time for slight alterations as well as steaming and pressing of your bridal gown. Brides come to Castle Couture to find the wedding gown of their dreams and these gowns are created by some of the most fabulous – and busy – bridal gown designers in the world, like Matthew Christopher, Allure Bridals, and Stephen Yearick. After you fall in love with one of our designers’ gowns, we will place the order straight to the designer’s warehouse.
Each gown order we place is custom-made for you. This means the fabric is cut based on your body measurements and in the colors you requested (which is why our bridal gowns are considered final sale). It takes time to cut the fabrics, create the gown, and add any custom beading or appliques the bride may have requested. Most gowns (not all!) are made overseas, so once you factor shipping into this process that can easily be an additional four to six weeks.
Bring your shoes and undergarments to your Try on Gown appointment
My
Dress Came In, Now What?
So exciting! The gown in which you will be starting your “happily ever after” has arrived. The next step would be to set up your “Try On Gown” appointment, commonly known as your TOG. This appointment is your chance to check out your beautiful gown, show your family, and make sure that everything is perfect. At this appointment, we suggest bringing the undergarments that you plan on wearing the day of your wedding as well as your heels. This is not an alterations appointment, but it is an opportunity to meet with our fabulous seamstresses who have worked on endless couture gowns and have years upon years of experience! At your TOG, a seamstress can give you a quote as to how much your alterations may be, based on the gown, beadwork, and any custom work you may want to be done to the dress.
Let the
Alterations Begin!
Starting alterations means you are that much closer to the big day! Alterations should be started about three months before you say, “I do.” The reason is that this is most likely the closest your body is going to be to how it will look the day of your wedding, yet still allow for the alterations to be finished in time. Be prepared to have an average of three to five fittings. This is because your first appointment is simply to chat with the seamstress, get pinned, and explain what your goals are for the gown. We chatted with one of our alterations department supervisors, Jess Tolwinski, to get her advice for any brides that are about to begin the alterations process. “I always recommend bringing a friend or family member with you that you really trust. There are a lot of decisions that need to be made when it comes to how the gown will look and having someone help you is always a great feeling. This is your big day and making sure you look absolutely perfect is always our goal,” explained Tolwinski.
Once alterations are complete, the bride will
typically pick up her gown about two to three days before the wedding. This is
so the gown is steamed and stuffed to perfection and will be flawless when
removed from the white garment bag on the wedding day!
If you enjoy informational blogs like this let
us know! Email us at PR@castlecouturenj.com and tell us what you
want to learn about next.
Winter weddings are one of the most beautiful
opportunities to cozy up with your loved ones and celebrate one of the most
exciting, monumental moments in your life. Winter weddings are beyond fabulous,
but the most difficult encounter about these amazing days is how chilly it can
get at these events. From frosty toes, rosy cheeks, and shivering guests, you
want to make sure, whether you are the bride or a guest, you are as comfortable
as one can be during this exciting day!
Dress for A Winter Wedding
As mentioned, winter weddings can be absolutely stunning, which means your outfit should match just that! When it comes to guests, any deep, jewel-toned gowns are great to wear. During the colder months, you are fairer than any other time of the year; that’s why wearing a rich color will be most flattering compared to rocking a pastel shade in February. Along with a beautiful, rich tone, a black faux fur shawl is a great addition to any winter look! Now that the guests will be looking fabulous, it’s time to focus on the bride.
When it comes to winter weddings, we always suggest brides wear whatever they’re most comfortable in! A wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to wear what makes you feel most beautiful. We sat down with our bridal manager, Christina Dougherty, to get her opinion on what a bride should wear when she’s saying “I do” during these frigid months. “The season should never matter; only her feelings should matter. Whether she goes for glitter or a floral lace pattern, any gown works great with any season. You should only dress for you and what makes you happy. Your dress should have your personality in it, not a season.” So, a bride should wear whatever she desires: It is her big day and if that means a strapless mermaid is her dream dress, that is exactly what she should wear!
Shoes For
a Winter Wedding
Shoes are one of the most fun and fabulous accessories to shop for (and one that you can even get carried away shopping for!). When it comes to your wedding day, get ready to pray to the shoe gods to find the most perfect heel! Winter weddings are tricky when it comes to shoe shopping considering weather can really play a major role. Your wedding dress is one thing – this is your chance to express yourself and feel like the princess you always imagined yourself being – but when it comes to shoes that’s a different story! You need to find something gorgeous, yet comfortable. We always suggest the brand Badgley Mischka to our brides as we believe they are the most beautiful wedding shoes you’ll ever find and are extremely comfortable. They’re meant for all-day wear; this way, your feet will be thanking you! Finding a beautiful, comfortable pair is important for any wedding, but for a wedding held any time from November through Februrary, we also suggest rocking a closed-toe look. Naturally, your toes and fingers are the first to lose blood flow in the cold and turn that not so flattering blueish color. Nobody wants that to happen to them, especially on a day where all eyes are on you! A beautiful closed-toe heel with a glamorous brooch is exactly what every bride needs to be warm, comfortable, and looking beautiful!
Additional
Tips for Your Big Day!
Some additional fun, fabulous tips for hosting a winter wedding include what to pack in your purse, some additional ideas for décor, and how to stay nice and toasty!
Your Purse
When it comes to what to put in your purse for yourself and your bridal party, it should include tissues, hand warmers, and lip balm! These may sound silly or make you question why you would need such things, but these tissues aren’t just for the tears you may shed as you say your “I dos”, but for when you are outside in the cold taking your photos! Naturally, your nose will begin to run and there is no need to sniffle throughout all your wedding photos. The next must-have is hand warmers! Everyone will be looking at that stunning ring on your left hand and the last thing you want is for your hands to be as cold as ice! This goes for your bridal party as well. They’ll be outside with you and your partner the entire time and should be just as cozy as the happy couple. Lastly, you must have some sort of lip balm in your purse! With the number of friends and family you’ll be kissing hello and the number of photos you’ll be smiling in, it’s important to not have chapped or cracked lips. A bride should look like a million bucks at all times and helping her stay cozy will make the day that more memorable!
Winter Decor
When all is said and done, this is a winter wedding, after all, so embrace it when it comes to your decor! We love ice sculptures around the reception; this is such a classic way to decorate while incorporating your theme.
Keeping Warm
Any part of the wedding that is outdoors, such as a reception or cocktail hour, must have multiple outdoor heaters! This is a great way to have your guests cozy up and chat by a heater. Or, even better, an amazing little fireplace to have a cocktail in front of is always a great addition to any wedding!
If you’re a winter bride and have any other suggestions for those getting married, shoot us an email at PR@castlecouturenj.com so we can share with our Castle Couture ladies!
Achieving the perfect bridal hair and makeup is just as important as finding the dress of your dreams. Just like shopping for gowns, there are so many options and all can set a completely different mood and look for your big day. Below are our favorite looks that would look stunning on nearly any bride!
The
Classic Bride
This look consists of a gorgeous smoky eye, classic red lip, and soft complexion with a soft updo. This look is one of our favorites and most universal. A red lip symbolizes power and confidence, which is exactly what every bride will be exuding on her wedding day! Although this lip is a stunner, you do need to be wary of it staining, especially when you’re in your wedding gown. Finding a great matte formula is an easy way to avoid this issue and still pull together this classic look. Next would be creating an elegant smoky eye. Many brides get nervous when they hear the idea of using a smoky eye on their big day. This is because so many times it is assumed this consists of shades of grays and blacks, but that is not always the case! Makeup artist Monica Case chatted with us about what exactly a smoky eye is and how to achieve it. “A smoky eye is when your eyeshadow is darker and more defined at the lash line and at the outer corner of your eye. The lightest part should be the inner corner to open up your eye and the darker tones on the outer corner will add sultriness and elongate the eye.” Our next suggestion would be to create a softer complexion considering you’ll be rocking a bold eye and lip already. Ask your makeup artist to use a medium coverage foundation with a neutral finish. This foundation works well with so many skin types because a neutral finish will blend in beautifully whether you have oily or dry skin.
When it comes to the classic bride’s hairstyle, we imagine a gorgeous updo. This can range from buns or high ponytails. Regardless, it is a beautiful way to show off your gown, makeup, and, of course, yourself!
Classic bridal makeup. Veil and hairpiece by Edward Berger.
The No-Makeup Makeup Bride
This look is for all our brides who may not be into all the glitz and glam but still want a little extra something on their big day. A no-makeup makeup look will have a light coverage foundation, a little liner, and a clear gloss to plump your lips. The light coverage foundation will quickly smooth out any imperfections you may have (we know how those zits love to sneak up right before any big event!), especially if you use a formula that has a dewy finish. A dewy, light coverage foundation is fabulous for that no-makeup-makeup look and will give you a beautiful glow. Compared to our classic bride who would be wearing a bold lip, this look may have a simple gloss over a nude lipstick. To tie this look together, we recommend a bit of eyeliner and a great mascara to lengthen and curl your lashes! After your makeup artist has mastered the makeup look you want, the next thing to focus on is how you want your hair to be styled. For this effortless look, the same theme should be carried into whatever hairstyle you choose. For women with long hair, we suggest that you have your stylist create long, loose curls to give you a finished yet effortless style.
No-makeup wedding gown by Allure Bridals.
The “Natural Glam” Bride
A “natural glam” bride is one who wants to look like herself but enhanced. She wants to show off all of her best features but does not want to look like a totally different person. A look like this may include a medium to full coverage foundation, a beautiful neutral lip, and fun lashes! A set of full falsies can really bring together your bridal makeup look. A pair that is shorter by your tear duct and then flares out by your outer corner can give the illusion of larger eyes. Monica gave her opinion on what comes to mind when a bride requests a natural glam makeup look on her special day. “Every bride wants to look beautiful on the day of their wedding and some brides worry that makeup may be “too much” because they want to look like themselves. I always try to emphasize their strong features and I recommend a natural glam [look] because it includes a flawless face and soft on the eyes. I do suggest doing more coverage on the face to give a smooth, even finish. I always want my brides to feel so beautiful on their special day!”
“Natural glam” image courtesy of Monica Case, on Instagram at @monicacase.
To be a bride is such a special and exciting time: You get to plan one of the biggest days of your life, surrounded by the people who love you and your fiancé the most, while wearing the gown of your dreams. Most brides have been dreaming about and planning this day ever since they were young. At Castle Couture, we are honored to help turn you into the bride you’ve always dreamt of being on your big day! This week, we are spotlighting five couture designers that you need to check out. This is just a small selection of the thousands of gowns and incredible designers we carry! If any of these designers sound interesting to you, certainly give us a call and we’d love to set you up with a bridal appointment and an expert bridal stylist to find the gown of your dreams.
Stephen Yearick
Stephen Yearick is a brand that has worked with Castle Couture for years. The designer, Leigh, is known for his hand-beaded work, custom changes, and bringing that high-fashion runway look to the bridal boutiques. What makes this designer so special is the fact that every part of his work is customizable. This means if you love a gown but, for example, want a certain layer of tulle removed or added or if you want a certain section of beadwork a different color, he can achieve that. One of our Castle Couture brides, Jenni (JWoww) Farley, wore a Stephen Yearick gown on her big day! His bridal gowns are truly ones to fawn over and his evening wear gowns are just as stunning. From heavily beaded gowns to feathers and even detachable trains, he does it all. And what’s better than mom and daughter rocking the same designer at the wedding?
Castle Couture is hosting a Stephen Yearick trunk show on Saturday, January 25, and Sunday, January 26, 2020. This trunk show will be for both bridal and evening wear! Any questions on what a trunk show is? Check out our previous blog! One of the designer’s representatives will be attending the trunk show and bringing some of the new, hot designs. What is so interesting about Stephen Yearick is that they have a sister brand known as Ysa Makino. Ysa Makino and Stephen Yearick are, although different brands, part of the same company. This means Ysa Makino has gowns that are just as glamorous and extravagant as Stephen Yearick’s. These gowns are elegant yet filled with glamour, making them the perfect couture look!
Matthew Christopher
Matthew Christopher is a talented, fabulous designer who exudes happiness and joy to everyone he comes in contact with and his beautiful energy is certainly reflected in his designs. His gowns are stunning and created with the most luxurious fabrics. He is known for his tastefully sexy, structured gowns that look as though they were painted onto a bride’s body. His gowns fit like a glove and emphasize a woman’s curves in the best way possible. He can even give a shape to a woman who doesn’t have one! This line also offers custom veils to exactly match your gown’s beadwork. Matthew Christopher has visited our boutique more times than one can count and each time he builds new relationships with his Matthew Christopher brides.
Matthew’s gowns deliver the perfect combination of elegance, timelessness, and sophistication in every look. A Matthew Christopher gown has amazing construction to flatter your body as well as quality to last a lifetime. Matthew Christopher achieves a couture look that will have any bride looking and feeling like royalty.
Shlomit Azrad
This Israeli designer’s gowns are nothing short of jaw-dropping. The Schlomit Azrad couture line is known for its unique beadwork, high slits, plunging necklines, and low backs. Their gowns are a blend of sexy and classy, which is a difficult look to achieve, but she manages to do so seamlessly.
To wear a Shlomit Azrad gown for your wedding is such a luxury. The designs are certainly couture, achieving a straight-off-the-runway look as well as having an eastern European design with a modern twist. The bride who wears one of these stunners is one who is daring and looking for a more edgy and exotic look.
Eve of Milady
Many brides dream of looking like a princess on their wedding days and wearing an Eve of Milady gown is the perfect way to achieve just that. These gowns are a great way to have a traditional, yet couture, look. Another Castle Couture bride, Angelina Pivarnick, wore an Eve of Milady on wedding day in November and looked exquisite! This couture designer is extra special because they offer matching veils with a selection of their gowns.
Eve is known for their signature long trains and soft sparkle. They have been around for over 40 years and clearly know how to transform and evolve with the times, constantly keeping up with the hottest trends that brides ask for.
Julie Vino
One of newest, gorgeous gown designers to be available at Castle Couture Julie Vino. We love to view these as an understated sexy, but they are also the perfect gown to get that whimsical look while still looking bridal. The quality of her fabrics is outstanding due to the fact that they custom-make them to ensure the utmost perfection in their gowns.
Castle Couture will be hosting a Julie Vino trunk show on February 1 and 2, 2020, where we will be receiving a special selection of stunning gowns, in addition to what is part of our inventory. She is the next big thing to hit the bridal industry!
Classic or Trendy? Find Out What the Queens of the Castle Would Wear on Their Big Day!
In the world of bridal, there are so many different styles and designers that it can be overwhelming for a bride to make a decision on her dream dress, especially when there are so many gorgeous pieces! We sat down with a handful of our expert bridal consultants to put them in the shoes of all our Castle Couture brides and find out what type of bride they would want to be on their wedding day. We wanted to know what their dream dress is, any advice they may have for a bride who is struggling to make a final decision and so much more!
Meet Christina Dougherty!
Christina Dougherty
Pronovias in classic lace
Christina Dougherty is a bridal stylist and team leader here and we had the luxury of chatting with her about all things bridal. When a bride comes in and asks for a “classic” bridal gown, what exactly does this mean to a consultant? What looks come to mind? Christina explained that throughout her four years of working here, these are the looks that she would pull when getting that request: “When I hear a bride is looking for a more classic bridal gown, the first thing that comes to mind is a clean look. My first gown to pull would be a Pronovias or something with gorgeous, traditional lace that will always be in style.” Pronovias wedding gowns are known for their clean lines, beautiful Spanish lace, and timeless looks.
Although a look like this is something you could not go wrong with, not every bride wants to be traditional. Many brides who come in are looking for a gown that will shed light on their personality, be unique, and have the look that’s straight off the runway. Christina explained how a trendy gown can truly be something a little more edgy and different. For instance, this can include a plunging v-neck gown, low back, 3-D appliqués, or could even be a gown with a pop of color.
Christina’s dream gown?
Our consultants are fabulous at what they do and are great at helping our brides find the dress of their dreams, but what happens when they are asked to pick out their dream gown? Christina expressed that her dream dress would be a classic style with a hint of edginess. Her dream dress would be something with long sleeves, a deep v-neck, and she would even love to wear a black bridal gown. (But mama Dougherty would not approve!)
Meet Kristen Lubrano!
Kristen Lubrano
Kristen Lubrano has been with Castle Couture for three years and has already experienced the beautiful chaos of planning her big day. (PS: She bought her gown from Castle Couture even before she started working with us.) What is so interesting about Kristen’s thoughts on a classic versus trendy bridal gown is that she would change everything about her big day look! She wore a traditional bridal gown for her wedding, but, if she were to plan her day all over again, she exclaimed that she would go with something much trendier and more fun. “I think if I were to have a vow renewal I would for sure do a lot of sparkles, a detachable train, and even feathers!”
Kristen, just like Christina, feels as though a trendier look would be a dress with color or maybe a sheer bodice, while something more classic and traditional would be an A-line with simple lace. Kristen’s best advice for a bride who is struggling to make a decision on her wedding gown would be to pick whatever you feel most beautiful wearing. All of the bridal gowns you try on are going to be gorgeous, but the only thing that matters is what makes you feel the most beautiful.
Meet Jamie Sorrentino!
Jamie Sorrentino
Every bride has their own style and ideal dress for their wedding day and that’swhat makes your day so exciting to plan! So, what makes a classic or trendy bridal gown, according to Jamie Sorrentino, another of our bridal stylists? We spoke with her to see what her thoughts were on this topic. “When I hear someone is shopping for a more classic gown, I automatically think of a clean satin ball gown. But if someone asks me to pull more hot and trendy gowns, I will go for a gown with a cape or something other than white.”
When Jamie was asked what her dream dress would be, she explained how she is a complete mix of both a classic and trendy bride. On her wedding day, she would love to have an overskirt with lots of sparkles but still a touch of elegant lace. It can be hard to make a decision on what dress to wear for your big day and is sometimes very confusing. Even Jamie struggled to pick out what she would want to wear when she is a bride one day, so we asked if she had any suggestions for women going through something similar. “Enjoy every moment of dress shopping and bring your most trustworthy friends. We always suggest bringing no more than three guests; just your small core group to help you pick the dress of your dreams.”
Meet Amy Townsley!
Amy Townsley
The last bridal stylist we had the pleasure of sitting down with was Amy Townsley. Amy has been with Castle Couture for nearly four years and loves the world of weddings more than anyone you”l ever meet! Amy, just like our other stylists, feels as though she is a mix of both a trendy and classic bride. She would definitely want two looks for her wedding day: The first would be a totally clean-cut look with a gorgeous, off-the-shoulder gown for her ceremony. When it is time for the reception, she wants a fun, sparkly, short dress to spend the night partying in, all while wowing her guests.
It seemed to be an ongoing pattern that our consultants couldn’t decide between if they were a more classic or trendy bride and that is totally okay! Not everyone fits within a certain category and that is what makes all of our styles so unique. Amy’s advice for any bride shopping for her big day would be to always remember that no one can tell you how you feel. When you are shopping for the perfect gown, nine times out of ten you are going to get this gut feeling of just knowing this is the bridal gown for you. You want to feel the best you’ve ever felt in any article of clothing and just know this is the gown you want to spend your special day in.
Which do you prefer: a classic or trendy bridal gown? Let us know when you call us at 732-617-1414 to schedule your bridal appointment.
