Bijou Bridal & Special Occasion - Honolulu, Hawaii http://hi.bijoubridal.com Honolulu, HI Wed, 30 Nov 2011 18:45:02 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.5 Track your RSVP Cards!!! http://bijoubridal.blogspot.com/2011/11/track-your-rsvp-cards.html http://bijoubridal.blogspot.com/2011/11/track-your-rsvp-cards.html#comments Wed, 30 Nov 2011 18:36:00 +0000 The Velvet Couch Click here to purchase invisible pen

As you are collating and sending your invites, write numbers in the bottom corner or back of your RSVP cards - then, as you are sending them off and writing addresses on the envelopes, keep track of which number on the RSVP card corresponds with which guest.  The back of the pen has a special black light that allows you to see the number you've written on the card.  So once those RSVP's start rolling in and silly Aunt Mildred sent it back completely blank, you can shine your nifty pen light on the card to see the number you wrote and the corresponding guest that you need to follow-up with!  How much simpler could it be?


in all things bridal,
V
P.S. Did I mention that the pen is dirt cheap?
]]> http://bijoubridal.blogspot.com/feeds/4567957210353520512/comments/default 0 Choosing Colors for your Wedding http://bijoubridal.blogspot.com/2011/10/choosing-colors-for-your-wedding.html http://bijoubridal.blogspot.com/2011/10/choosing-colors-for-your-wedding.html#comments Wed, 05 Oct 2011 19:09:00 +0000 The Velvet Couch
1. There is no etiquette for wedding colors, especially if you’re having an evening wedding. Anything goes. This is YOUR wedding, so don’t let the season dictate your palette. If your favorite color is red and you’re having a summer wedding, go for it! And if you’re really hesitant about it, rather than making it the main color, make it the accent color. Have red pop out here and there – in your flowers, favors, or our favorite… the sole of your shoes! But, really, go with what you’re drawn to, and not what October says the colors should be.

2. If you have a large bridal party, remember that everyone is going to be in that color. Sure, your favorite color may be Neon Yellow, but if you have 10 bridesmaids and they’re all in that color, will that be too overwhelming? This also goes for choosing a particular style dress. Many unique bridesmaids’ dresses may look fine when one or two girls have it on… but dress all 8-12 of them in a floral halter dress of various spring shades? You might end up looking like you’re standing next to a flower garden. A good way to see what you think is by googling your ideas to see pictures of other wedding parties who have done the same.

3. Every bride says “I want to do something unique.” When it comes to colors, no offense to brides out there, but there is no such thing as unique. Somebody somewhere has already done it, and while I may not burst your bubble to your face, I will on this blog. This is the truth of the matter, there are thousands of brides out there and you won’t be the only one to have a Turquoise wedding. And this point isn’t to upset you, it’s to say: Don’t worry so much about competing with other weddings! Your wedding will be unique and special because of YOU and your FIANCE. The decisions that you make will showcase your personality as individuals, and a couple and that will make all the difference. I can assure you that nobody will like you any less because your colors were similar to your cousin’s best friend’s brother’s wedding colors.

4. If you have a very specific shade in mind and are not open to other options, be prepared to possibly look far and wide for a designer that carries that exact shade. Like I’ve said before in my Bridesmaids’ Dresses Post, a designer may carry 30 colors of one dress, but there is no guarantee that the 3 shades of green he/she has will mimic the one you’re looking for. You may need to either be more flexible, or do a lot of research in order to find that shade. I’ve seen my fair share of brides struggle over this fact. So this is me, pre-warning you.

5. If you’re having trouble finding a color palette, a great way to start your research is to go to: http://www.projectwedding.com/photo/browse?tag=%22inspiration+board%22. Project wedding has 3,700 photos (as of today) of inspiration boards and color palettes. Go through them one by one and stay true to your immediate reaction. If you click “next” and your heart skips a beat at the next photo, save it into a folder. Go through as many as you can while doing this. Once you’re done (or have had enough), go back to that folder and take a look at each of the photos you’ve saved. That should give you a very good idea of what types of colors and palettes stand out to you.

in all things bridal,
V
]]> http://bijoubridal.blogspot.com/feeds/2360132256579786040/comments/default 0 Bridal Emergency Kit http://bijoubridal.blogspot.com/2011/09/bridal-emergency-kit.html http://bijoubridal.blogspot.com/2011/09/bridal-emergency-kit.html#comments Tue, 27 Sep 2011 17:06:00 +0000 The Velvet Couch This is a little blog post that you can (secretly) slip to your bridesmaids – just leave it open on your computer the next time they come over and excuse yourself for a while.


 
While we pray for a flawless occasion, many things can happen on your wedding day that you may not have anticipated. For this reason, it’s important for you to be well prepped for any and all disasters. Putting together a small “Bridal Emergency Kit” is a good way to stay that way, and once you’ve made it, you never know when it will come in handy in the future! Of course, the extent of the products you purchase is entirely up to you – but here are some essentials we suggest you carry on your person in case your beautiful bride freaks out on the day of her nuptials! (Psst… it makes a great wedding day gift, as well – the bride could pack it with her on her honeymoon!)

1. Small sewing kit – You can find this easily at the dollar store. Most kits some with thread (remember to check for white and whatever color the bridesmaids dresses are), needle, extra buttons, and a small scissor. This is especially important in case somebody accidentally steps on the dress and rips the bustle button or loop. Just a quick little stitch of thread and the use of those handy buttons could fix that problem easily for only $1.00! Imagine what your poor bride will have to go through if no one had that on handy; she’d have to hold her train for the rest of the night.

2. Safety Pins - I’ve read many horror stories online of bridesmaid’s straps ripping off or stitching coming loose for various reasons. What a terrible ordeal to live through if you didn’t have safety pins in your Bridal Emergency Kit!

3. Emery Board and Nail Clipper – It always seems like on the days in which we need our nails to cooperate with us, they never do. Hang nails and broken nails are an awful sight to behold, especially in the pictures your brides will keep for years to come.

4. Bobby Pins and Hair Spray – Let’s face it, an hour into the non-stop dancing that the bridal party will be doing, small pieces of baby hair will come flying out of place. Nobody wants to look like a mess in the pictures!

5. Lint Roller – For the groomsmen’s tuxes in the pictures. You never know what types of messes those boys (I mean, men) will get into on the day of the wedding.

6. Facial Tissues – For those tears of joy throughout the prep and ceremony

7. Aspirin – From the time you’re up in the morning, through all the hair and makeup, dressing, and pictures – you’ll probably have a darn good headache by the time dinner rolls around. And while we hope that this doesn’t happen to you or the bride, it’s better to be prepared than to survive the rest of the wedding night with a pounding migraine.

8. Fashion Tape – You may go through 3-4 fittings of your dress, but during those times you’re not moving nonstop, sitting and standing, walking and running in heels, and dancing your butt off on the dance floor! Who knows what part of your dress might become loose or annoyingly fitted? Fashion tape is something you can purchase, and then use afterwards if you didn’t need it!

Make this into something fun that you do – buy a cheap lunchbox and decorate it for your bride. You can also purchase a box in various colors from the dollar store and decorate the outside with magazine cutouts of images and words for the wedding day. What a wonderful keepsake and surprise for your blushing bride and best friend!

in all things bridal,
V
]]> http://bijoubridal.blogspot.com/feeds/8714612662415563543/comments/default 0 Top 5 (Easiest) Ways to Cut Costs on your Wedding Day http://bijoubridal.blogspot.com/2011/09/top-5-easiest-ways-to-cut-costs-on-your.html http://bijoubridal.blogspot.com/2011/09/top-5-easiest-ways-to-cut-costs-on-your.html#comments Wed, 21 Sep 2011 19:50:00 +0000 The Velvet Couch
The Date

Let’s start with the basics: Saturdays are by far the most expensive day of the week that you can hold your wedding – to save a little (actually, a lot) of cash, opt to host your wedding on a Friday or Sunday, when prices are lower for all of the businesses involved in your wedding. You will find that your florist, caterer, and even the baker who is making your cake, will all cut their prices for a Friday or Sunday wedding. Even better, if you can make it during the weekday – it will be even cheaper than that!
Secondly, having an “off-season” wedding will also save you loads of money. Wedding season is typically from May to October of each calendar year, so having a winter or late Fall wedding will be cheaper. Avoid having a wedding on certain vacation holidays (i.e. Memorial Day Weekend, Labor Day Weekend, etc.) but have them on family holidays in which people tend to host parties at home rather than at a venue (i.e. Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, etc.)

The Music

How important is it really to have that 20 piece band or DJ who flew in from the other side of the country? These days, people barely pay attention to WHO is playing the music, and concentrate more on WHAT is playing! I’ve been to weddings where the music was terrible, what a waste of a few hundred dollars to pay the DJ! I could have done a better job with my iPod playlist, and that is exactly what you should do. Who knows your musical taste better than your very own iPod? It would take you no longer than an hour to put together the ULTIMATE wedding playlist – one that both you and your guests will enjoy all night. No need to worry if the next song will be good or bad, songs will play one after another seamlessly throughout the night. Ask one of your very boisterous and comedic friends to emcee the introductions and announcements, because there is really nothing else you need all night from a DJ besides the music. Let's be honest, half of those deejays sound like they’re announcing a game lineup, rather than the people in your wedding party. Most venues already have speakers and surround sound set up throughout the hall, so all you have to do is plug in your iPod and press play!


The Favors

This is a very fun and easy way to DIY with a few supplies and at half the cost. Do some research on wedding websites and DIY sites for ideas on how to make fun, artistic, and simple wedding favors! Really, how many of those trinkets do you end up keeping anyways? Don’t stress yourself out over having to purchase expensive and lavish favors. Nobody wants or will use a coaster with your name embroidered on it, or an emblazoned champagne glass. Those are items we’ve all received at prom and formals when we were younger, and how many of you ever used it or even ended up keeping it? These are the extremities of your wedding that can be budgeted and you CAN be cheap on without it being obvious.


The Cake

Rather than paying thousands of dollars for a four tiered fondant wedding cake that… let’s face it, will look like every other wedding cake in the book, opt for something non-traditional and fun! It will add a little detail and spark to your wedding for guests to remember. A popular trend these days is having a tower of mini cupcakes in the shape of a wedding cake. Not only will you avoid any cake cutting fees, but you can purchase these mini cupcakes from wholesale clubs like Cost Co or your local supermarket. To keep the first cake cutting tradition in your wedding, purchase a small mini-wedding cake for you and your new husband to cut through, and serve those pieces only to family and your wedding party. It’s much easier (and cheaper) to serve a cake to 20 people versus 150.




The Invitations

These will probably be the hardest (and the biggest pain in the behind) to make cheap because you will really need to spend the time to sit down and DIY. While favors can be found small and simply bought to hand out, or made simply – invitations need to be printed, put together, collated, and stuffed into envelopes. This is something dull that you can turn into something fun for you and your bridal party. The perfect way for everyone to get to know each other and spend time together! Invite them over, pop in a movie, and set up some snacks. You can have your invitations, RSVP cards, and the like printed for a low cost from websites such as vistaprint.com. Purchasing stock paper is something cheap and affordable that you can buy from any crafts or specialty shop, even online! The main aspect will be putting everything together. This summer, I helped a friend out with hers and the invitations looked completely professionally made! You can find layouts and design templates online very easily. And in the end, who will know? The answer is no one.


In all things bridal,
V
]]> http://bijoubridal.blogspot.com/feeds/4241552770696616644/comments/default 0 An Editorial on Modern Weddings http://bijoubridal.blogspot.com/2011/09/editorial-on-modern-weddings.html http://bijoubridal.blogspot.com/2011/09/editorial-on-modern-weddings.html#comments Thu, 08 Sep 2011 22:02:00 +0000 The Velvet Couch
Is this good or bad – I’m actually not quite sure. In many respects we’ve become a much more realistic and honest generation. We threw some etiquette out the window because, let’s face it, not all of us can have a $10 million wedding like Kim Kardashian, and saving our Benjamins by not providing stamps on the RSVP envelope is just something that must be done for better or for worse. And if I don’t like you and/or don’t know who you are, just because you know my sister’s friend’s mom, you are certainly not invited to my joyous day.

So while in the face of the happy couple, all of this is understandable and are decisions that must be made… still, etiquette and expectations are hard to toss from a guest’s point-of-view. However, I think that that’s where technology comes into play and can ease those woes. While you may not provide stamps on your envelope, you can give guests the choice to R.S.V.P. on the couple’s website – much faster and more cost efficient (not to mention decreasing the carbon footprint.) For instance, on e-wedding.com, you can add a special RSVP feature to your website. Guests simply type in their last name, find their name on the guest list, and can click whether or not they will be able to attend, and which meal they’d like to have. If you’d like to be a little simpler, have your guests RSVP to a special e-mail address that you, yourself, will keep track of as they respond.

Likewise, while I may not think you are an important person to invite to my wedding – that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy it via satellite! Many videographers and companies offer live streams of your wedding ceremony for your invited, but unable to attend, and uninvited, but curious, friends and family. Make sure those select few who could not make it (whether their choice or yours) know that you’d still love for them to share in your day in another way, though they cannot be there physically for you.

So while being an honest and realistic generation, financially and in other respects, has probably helped in our generation’s wedding planning, it’s still important to realize that there are other ways in which you can rectify those eliminations through the use of technology today. Rather than throw etiquette out by not giving guests a choice but to pay for a stamp to RSVP, or rejecting your family friend and not saying anything, use what is at our fingerprints and what our generation has grown up with to your advantage! I think you’d be very surprised what this industry has in store for you if you do a little digging and research.

in all things bridal,
V
]]> http://bijoubridal.blogspot.com/feeds/1956060395405116419/comments/default 0 How to Choose a Photo Booth Company http://bijoubridal.blogspot.com/2011/09/how-to-choose-photo-booth-company.html http://bijoubridal.blogspot.com/2011/09/how-to-choose-photo-booth-company.html#comments Wed, 07 Sep 2011 19:14:00 +0000 The Velvet Couch



#1: Ease of Use and Timing

- This is my biggest pet peeve with the photo booths, so I’m sure many of your guests will have the same irks when it comes to taking their photos at your wedding. Test the photo booth out for yourself before putting down a deposit. You can judge its ease of use in a minute or two, the very first time you use it. Advice: Don’t ask any questions on how it works beforehand. Simply step in and use the machine. (You can’t guarantee that the employee they send with your photo booth will be all that interested in explaining how it works to each and every one of your guests.) Ideally, you would like your photo booth to exemplify the following:

o Be easy to understand how the booth works before pressing the button to begin (A lot of the photo booths don’t come with these instructions, so it would be a nice touch on your part to include a small sign on the outside of the photo booth for your guests to read before entering.)

o Allow your guests to see themselves between shots so that if there are a group of people in the picture, they can make sure that everyone is in the frame

o Give a clear countdown between shots so they know how much time they have to prepare before the flash goes off (the worst is when you’re taken off guard and the flash goes off in your face to capture a bewildered expression)



#2: How Many Print Out?

- There are five people in the booth and two photos print out… who gets to keep it? Ah… the age old question. Rather than making it awkward for your guests to decide who should get to keep the snapshots, many photo booth machines now allow you to choose the number of shots that will print out once you are finished. This way, EVERYONE in the group gets to keep a shot… and so do you! (For your keepsake memory book.)




#3: Background and Props

- In the day of photo booths galore, it’s not enough to just have a plain black background screen and let people take photos of… just themselves. YOU’VE GOT TO SPICE IT UPA LITTLE! Many photo booths have patterned backdrops to choose from, but if you can’t change that, go to your local dollar store or Party City and pick up a few odds and ends! Some silly sunglasses, mustaches, and hats can go a long way for your guests.



#4: How to Carry It

- So your guests have taken as many pictures as they can hold… but now their finger prints are getting all over them! A photo holder doesn’t have to big a huge, expensive ordeal emblazoned with Swarovski crystals and diamonds on a gold plated box. It can be something as simple as zip-lock bags or kid’s goody bags handed out so they can safely store their photos to relieve the memories when they get home. You can print out some monogrammed stickers to place on the zip lock bags to personalize them a bit if you want to make them a little fancier.



All of these aspects are just a small way to pay attention to details that will make your guest’s time at your wedding more enjoyable. There are so many photo booth companies to choose from, and you are spending a pretty penny having this for your guests, you should make sure you’ve picked the perfect one for your special day! The best piece of advice I can give is to go by your instincts. When you visit the company and try out the photo booth, what is your first impression? Your feeling should come right from using that photo booth for the first time – don’t listen to excuses or explanations that they might offer for why things are a certain way. If it wasn’t easy to use and the photos didn’t come out in good quality, on to the next one! There are plenty of more photo booth fish in the sea.

In all things bridal,

V
]]> http://bijoubridal.blogspot.com/feeds/7333482839809741972/comments/default 0 BE ON BIJOU BRIDAL’S NEW REALITY SHOW http://bijoubridal.blogspot.com/2011/09/be-on-bijous-new-reality-show.html http://bijoubridal.blogspot.com/2011/09/be-on-bijous-new-reality-show.html#comments Tue, 06 Sep 2011 21:22:00 +0000 The Velvet Couch ... AND RECEIVE FREE ALTERATIONS!!!  (PARAMUS, NJ LOCATION ONLY)

Bijou Bridal seeks Brides-to-be and Bridal Parties who will allow us to film them shopping for dresses at Bijou Bridal, for an upcoming reality show. There is no obligation to buy a dress during your visit, but if you do you will receive free alterations. We want brides and bridal parties with big personalities and interesting stories behind their hunt for the perfect dresses.

 
Slots open for Mid-Late September!


To apply, contact the producers at weddingdresscasting@gmail.com

Include the following:

* Your name, age, and profession
* Whether you're shopping alone or w/a bridal party
* Best time and number to reach you
* Recent photos
* Describe your idea of the perfect dress
* Share any worries or concerns that might come up while dress shopping
* Who's going to be with you when you're shopping?
* Why do you think you're wedding shopping experience will fun to watch on TV?


in all things bridal,
V
]]> http://bijoubridal.blogspot.com/feeds/6608593970464799716/comments/default 0 Re-Post From January 7, 2011: DRESS SHOPPING 411 http://bijoubridal.blogspot.com/2011/08/re-post-from-january-7-2011-dress.html http://bijoubridal.blogspot.com/2011/08/re-post-from-january-7-2011-dress.html#comments Wed, 17 Aug 2011 17:07:00 +0000 The Velvet Couch



1. Make an appointment. Most, if not all, of the wedding dress shops (no matter how big or small) require an appointment, even if you call 30 minutes before showing up. There are high’s and low’s for shopping season, but if they can’t accommodate you, you’ll have made the trip for nothing and will leave annoyed. That’s no way to begin your shopping experience! Plan ahead and schedule accordingly, especially on the weekends when appointments are booked a week or two in advance. This not only applies to bridal gown shopping, but also bridesmaid’s dresses and mother-of-the bride/groom evening gowns, as well.

• Side note: This may seem “well, duh” to many of you, but you’d be surprised at how often this happens. Cancel or change your appointment if you can’t make it! You’re actually doing a disservice to your fellow brides if you don’t. The slot that you filled with your appointment could be a slot another bride needs to make hers. This is especially important on the weekends, as it’s the busiest time of the week for any wedding business.

2. Educate yourself on the designers the store carries - it will help you immensely if you’ve seen some of their work beforehand. And more generally, do research on styles, cuts, and silhouettes you can see yourself wearing on the day of your wedding. It helps if you bring in pictures of dresses. The more information you give your sales consultant, the better they can assist you in finding the perfect dress. A few questions to think about:

• What silhouette am I looking for?

• What part of my body would I like to enhance and what would I like to downplay?

• Is there a specific color I have in mind? (White, Ivory, Offwhite, Champagne, Natural, etc.) Surprisingly, this is a very important question because many designers don’t make dresses in white anymore.

• How do I feel about lace and/or beading? If you like beading, do you want obvious, silver beading (which tends to give the “bling” affect) or do you lean more towards subtler, crystal clear beading?

• Am I partial to or against any material? (Satin, silk, taffeta, organza, chiffon, or tulle) Think about the month of your wedding, the setting [outdoors, indoors, both], and the theme [black tie, white tie, semi-formal, etc.].

3. If you have a special situation (rush wedding, you need sleeves or dresses to be built up to cover you), it’s always good to let the receptionist know when you’re making your appointment. Unfortunately, any of the aforementioned situations (along with others) limit your choice of designers and possibilities. Find out what your choices are so you can do some research!

• Special note for rush weddings (6 months and under): You really have two choices, some designers carry stock in their warehouse and if they have your size [or something close to it that can be altered to your size] you can purchase it right away and have it by the end of the week. The second choice is to pay for rush shipping (average is about $150-$200 extra), but every designer has different rules as to how soon they can get you a custom made gown, even with a rush order. This is why it’s important to tell the receptionist what your situation is. Depending on your timeframe, they will know exactly which designers you will be able to work with and which ones are out of the picture.

o Dresses in stock: If you are, in fact, lucky and find a dress you love and they have in stock, you NEED to purchase the dress ASAP. Boutiques from all across the country are calling for brides in a situation similar to yours, and a dress that could be available at 1:00 pm will no longer be there half an hour later. If you are in the position where you need to buy a dress soon, be prepared to make quick decisions when you go shopping.



4. Who will you bring with you? Really think twice about this question. As fun as it may seem, it is not productive to bring a whole entourage of people with you the first time you shop in a store. There are too many opinions and it will only confuse you. Bring 3-4 people max whose opinions you really respect and can help you to eliminate choices. The next time you come in, bring “second tier” audience members to help you decide between your top picks. At least that way, you’ve given yourself time to gather your own thoughts, before taking in the thoughts of other.

5. Bridal Gowns are custom made. But don’t misunderstand that phrase, this doesn’t mean that when we take your measurements – they will make the gown exactly to your bust, waist, hip, so that you don’t need alterations. This only means that gowns are made to order only, so once you place the order, they will begin to make a gown in the size closest to your measurements. This process takes, on average, 6 months – in addition to 1-2 months for your alterations - for a total of eight months. If there is nothing else that you take away from this entry, please remember this. It’s heartbreaking to get a bride who didn’t know and can’t buy the dress of her dreams.

in all things bridal,
V
]]> http://bijoubridal.blogspot.com/feeds/2456803945630758739/comments/default 0 What To Bring To Your Appt. http://bijoubridal.blogspot.com/2011/08/what-to-bring-to-your-appt.html http://bijoubridal.blogspot.com/2011/08/what-to-bring-to-your-appt.html#comments Tue, 16 Aug 2011 21:20:00 +0000 The Velvet Couch should bring (if you forget or don't have them, it's okay - but having them will help you during your appointment), and the second are extras that are nice to have, but not necessary if you don't have them.  We've been getting a lot of first time brides in our stores, so I thought this might be a relevent article for all you lovely ladies out there!

Should Have's:
1.  Your Research (bring pictures of styles that you like or aesthetic aspects of dresses that you're interested in.  Even if the store doesn't have that exact dress, they'll get a feel for your taste and personality through the pictures.)
2.  Strapless Bra
3.  Heels (if you plan on wearing them on your wedding day)

Nice To Have:
1.  Spanx (if needed)
2.  Hair tie, clip, or claw

Have a great week, everyone!

in all things bridal,
V
]]> http://bijoubridal.blogspot.com/feeds/6164283775619402983/comments/default 0 What To Bring To Your Appt. http://bijoubridal.blogspot.com/2011/08/what-to-bring-to-your-appt.html http://bijoubridal.blogspot.com/2011/08/what-to-bring-to-your-appt.html#comments Tue, 16 Aug 2011 21:20:00 +0000 The Velvet Couch should bring (if you forget or don't have them, it's okay - but having them will help you during your appointment), and the second are extras that are nice to have, but not necessary if you don't have them.  We've been getting a lot of first time brides in our stores, so I thought this might be a relevent article for all you lovely ladies out there!

Should Have's:
1.  Your Research (bring pictures of styles that you like or aesthetic aspects of dresses that you're interested in.  Even if the store doesn't have that exact dress, they'll get a feel for your taste and personality through the pictures.)
2.  Strapless Bra
3.  Heels (if you plan on wearing them on your wedding day)

Nice To Have:
1.  Spanx (if needed)
2.  Hair tie, clip, or claw

Have a great week, everyone!

in all things bridal,
V
]]> http://bijoubridal.blogspot.com/feeds/6164283775619402983/comments/default 0