Category Archives: Buying Tips
Top 10 tips from Bridal Specialists – How to choose your bridal store
Now comes the fun part…you get to shop for your wedding gown! You’ve been driving by your local bridal shop for years. Is it the right place for you to shop? To help you along the way, we’ve compiled the top tips from some of the most experienced bridal consultants.
1. Find a salon near you that has a great reputation for service. Chances are you will find your dress there so don’t waste your time with stores that you don’t want to do business with over the long haul. This can be a very stressful time and the #1 priority must be keeping you happy. Check out their website before you visit. It will give you a good sense about what to expect there.
2. Make an appointment. Most stores do accept walk-in customers but you don’t want to be shuffled around and juggled by a consultant with too much on her plate. You want one-on-one attention. For the best service, shop midweek during the daytime when retail stores are quietest. All the attention will be on you!
3. Consider the chemistry between you and your sales consultant. Did she/he get to know you and what you want your wedding day to be? Did they thoughtfully consider your wedding vision and personality? If they aren’t listening to you now you can’t expect they will listen when there’s a problem down the road. If the feeling isn’t right, ask for another sales consultant or leave and go somewhere else.
4. Tell your consultant approximately what you have to spend on your gown. The average price of a gown is about $1000 but there are many options for more and for less. Price is typically is tied to the type of fabric, amount and quality of the embellishments. (remember alterations are often as high as $200-$300 so save money for that!) Don’t be embarrassed about your budget — stay true to it. The store you visit will be able to tell you whether they have styles that will work for you. You can try on some that are a little bit more and less than your planned budget just to see if the difference is worth it to you.
5. Listen when the consultant suggests styles recommended for your body type. Try them on. Your sales consultant has probably dresses hundreds of brides so take advantage of their expertise. You should try on ones you like, of course but keep an open mind!
6. Wear your good underwear. You might want to wear tights, spanks or whatever you feel comfortable having your consultant see you wearing. She is going to be in your fitting room with you. It is a pretty intimate experience. It’s really hard to get into a gown yourself, and many shops wont let you try because they don’t want their samples damaged. (who could blame them for that?) The shop will probably offer you a strapless bra but if you would rather not use theirs come with your own.
7. Bring along photos from websites and clip out photos of styles from magazines that you like. Even if the shop doesn’t have that exact dress you brought with you, they will probably have something similar that you can try.
8. Ask about delivery options. Most gowns will take about 12 weeks or more to make and you need time after that for alterations. You want everything finished in time for your portrait date…not just your wedding, so order early. Even if you’re not planning for a portrait now, have your dress ready early because you may change your mind! Many manufacturers offer rush delivery but it will cost more so why bother with that? You will find it much easier to sleep at night if you know your gown is safely in your closet! Besides, it’s fun to look at it too.
9. Find out if your bridal party will get a discount if your party purchases their gowns from there. Many stores offer discounts on accessories, alterations, tuxedos or bridesmaid dresses if you continue shopping with them. In the long run it could save you and your party a lot of money!
10. Be selective about who shops with you. Bring one or two people with you and THAT’S IT! They should be supportive of YOUR decision. Everyone has an opinion but yours is really the only one that matter. Picking your gown is kind of like the sorting hat from Harry Potter. The gown picks you. You’ll feel amazing wearing it. When you find it, you’ll know!
So it’s official. You’re engaged! What’s next?
Before you run out and buy every magazine under the sun and start experiencing the advice of everyone — and I do mean everyone — who has an opinion of what THEY think YOU should do, you and your intended should sit quietly, close your eyes and just think.
Picture yourself on your wedding day.
Are you inside, outside? What colors do you see? Is it a formal affair or loose and breezy? Daytime or night? What does it look like, feel like, sounds like, smell like? After about 3 minutes write down all of the words you can remember from that experience. Go back and circle the 3-4 words that are the most important to you. Use them to complete your wedding day VISION statement. “My wedding will be xxxxx and xxxxx and xxxxx.”
OK, now close your eyes again for another 2-3 minutes. This time think about yourself and your partner. What is your couple personality? Fun? Active? Smart? Serious? Sporty? Literary? Artsy? Outdoorsy? Romantic? Glamorous? Cozy? That’s the feeling you will want your guests to take away from your wedding. Open your eyes and write it all down. Now pick the one (or two) words that best define your couple-hood.
That’s your wedding day PERSONALITY. “Our wedding must be xxxxxx.” OR “Our guests should share in our love for xxxxxx on our wedding day.”
Now you have the most critical part of your wedding day planning finished! Your Wedding Day Vision and Personality is yours and only yours. So when you start reading and hearing about what you could do and should do, bounce these ideas against your Vision and Personality statements. If they don’t fit, they might be cool but they might not be right for you. Stay true to yourself.
When it’s time, share your Vision and Personality with your bridal party and your wedding day vendors so they can help to make your day exactly how you want it to be. Remember, this is your day and it should be all about fulfilling your dream!
JoS. A. Bank Launches New Online Tuxedo Rental Tool for Brides and Grooms
Introducing a new tool to manage the tux rental process from start to finish from JoS. A. Bank!
Brides, did you know you can browse tux styles, register your wedding, and monitor the status of groomsmen’s orders with the click of a button? Jos. A Bank, the expert in men’s apparel, has launched an innovative new website that allows brides (and grooms) to manage the tuxedo rental process from the comfort of home.
On the new website, you, the bride, can focus on picking the perfect style to compliment your dress and your bridesmaids dresses. And with more than 385 tie styles and 175 fullback vests, matching your girls’ dresses is never a problem.
When you register, your groomsmen will also automatically receive emails reminding them to get measured and place their orders (less follow up work for you!) And, you’ll get emails updating you when a groomsman is measured or has picked up his tux. (No more pestering your groom’s guys to order their tuxedos, or calling the store to see if they’ve been in yet!) Jos. A. Bank handles it all for you!
So with some of the work done for you, you can focus on finding the tux style for your groom and groomsmen. Do you want dashing and traditional, or modern and sleek? Jos. A. Bank offers a variety of tuxedos to ensure that your groom and his guys look their best.
Here are some of our faves:
Log on today to get started!
Wedding Day Hair Inspirations from Alfred Angelo’s Spring 2013 runway show
Ever wonder how to get those hot-off-the-runway wedding day hair styles from New York bridal market? We have exclusive advice from our lead hair stylist, Keila Sone, on what goes into making your own wedding day look just as you imagined.
Backstage at our recent runway show, Keila gave us the skinny on the looks from the fashion show, and how to make your wedding day styles look runway ready.
Keila said direction for the hair styles for the fashion show were “soft, romantic” mermaid-like styles.

Keila’s number one tip for real brides preparing for their wedding day was to keep their hair healthy. She stressed the importance of trimming and conditioning hair leading up to the big day. Keila said often brides want to let their hair grow in preparation for their wedding hair, but this can be “disastrous.”
Another way to create the up-to-the-minute runway looks is with hair accessories. For the October 2012 fashion show, satin and jeweled headbands, rhinestone pins, and big jewels completed looks.

And, you ask, what products did we use to achieve these gorgeous looks? All of the products used on the models for the runway show were made by Surface Hair, a vegan hair product line based in Canada. Surface Styling products provide style with inspiration, creativity, control, confidence and enthusiasm. Sugars and corn starches provide resilient humidity resistant hold.
Brides, another important tip: Do a trial run of your hair before the wedding day so that you know exactly what you’re getting from the hair stylist. This way, you can ensure that you both are on the same page with the vision you have for your special day, the stylist can achieve the look you want, and can both avoid any surprises or disappointments on the actual day.
Find the Perfect Finishing Touch for Your Fairy Tale Gown at DSW
Know your “fairy tale” wedding dress will be from Alfred Angelo, and want to know there’s the perfect shoe for your gown…just like Cinderella’s glass slipper?
Look no further than DSW. The company recently launched its “Glass Slipper” shoe collection, in conjunction with the DVD release of the classic Disney film, Cinderella.
The shoe collection includes open toe, closed toe and platform styles in satin and crystal satin. Bugle beading and crystals accent the shoes, as well as rhinestone brooches and delicate touches of tulle and lace. The shoes are available in an array of colors, from ivory and pale pink to bold eggplant and teal.
And like Alfred Angelo’s Cinderella Diamond Collection of wedding dresses, DSW’s Glass Slipper collection is available at DSW stores for a limited time!
Brides can see the entire Cinderella Diamond bridal collection at exclusive trunk shows taking place at Alfred Angelo Signature and Alfred Angelo Partner Stores from October 2012 to March 31st…then back in the vault they go! See all of the trunk show info here.
This unique line of limited-release wedding dresses consists of five exquisite styles in soft shades of “Glass Slipper” blue. Each gown represents the iconic Disney Princess character from a unique point of view, including timeless ball gowns that sparkle with every turn, and modern fit and flare silhouettes that look as if they were bathed in moonlight.
Whether you’ve found your perfect Alfred Angelo gown, or will wait to find it in the exclusive Cinderella Diamond Collection wedding dresses, you know you can find the perfect finishing touch with DSW’s “Glass Slipper” collection.
Alfred Angelo Celebrates the Blu-ray™ Release of Cinderella with Limited Bridal Gown Collection
DISNEY FAIRY TALE WEDDINGS BY ALFRED ANGELO CELEBRATES THE Blu-ray™ RELEASE OF CINDERELLA WITH THE CINDERELLA DIAMOND WEDDING GOWN COLLECTION
Wedding Dresses Available for Limited-Time Only, Starting October 2012
Philadelphia, PA– (September 17, 2012) Alfred Angelo and Disney Consumer Products celebrate the release of Disney’s Cinderella Diamond Edition, available on Blu-ray™ for the first time this Fall, with a one-of-a-kind Cinderella- inspired bridal collection.
This unique line of limited-release wedding dresses consists of five exquisite styles in soft shades of blue. Each gown represents the iconic Disney Princess character from a unique point of view, including timeless ball gowns that sparkle with every turn, and modern fit and flare silhouettes that look as if they were bathed in moonlight.
The Cinderella Diamond Wedding Gown Collection will be unveiled initially at Chicago Bridal market on September 29, 2012, where bridal shops and industry press will get the first view of the collection. The Cinderella Diamond collection will make its runway debut on October 12, 2012, at a press-only show during Couture Bridal Market in New York City.
Beginning in October, the Cinderella Diamond wedding gowns will be available to brides through special engagement bridal trunk shows to be held in Alfred Angelo Signature Stores and Alfred Angelo Partner Stores in the US, Canada, Australia and the UK that carry the 2013 Disney bridal line. For tour dates and locations, brides can log on to alfredangelo.com.
Commenting on his design inspiration, Alfred Angelo vice president of design Michael Shettel says, “Ever since her launch onto the silver screen in 1950 girls around the world have grown up with Cinderella and idolized her. I wanted to focus on many facets of her character as well as combine my research from the Disney archives. I had access to original sketches and concept art for the film. The sparkling glass slipper, Cinderella’s blue eyes and her blue ball gown set the tone for color, inspiration and themes that are carried throughout the collection. I wanted to make each gown a unique interpretation and give brides-to-be several visions for their wedding day.”
“We are excited to collaborate with Alfred Angelo on another beautiful, timeless bridal collection and to bring Disney magic to brides on their special day,” said Robert Oberschelp, director of Disney Collections at Disney Consumer Products, “Cinderella’s story is a classic tale of romance and enchantment, and Alfred Angelo’s collection captures those magical storytelling details. The Cinderella Diamond Wedding Gown Collection is a fairytale wish come true.”
The “Glass Slipper” blue fabric is perfect for brides who embrace subtle color for their wedding. But, each gown is also offered in ivory and white for brides with more traditional tastes.
For more information please visit: www.alfredangelo.com/Disney or www.disneybridal.com.
The Cinderella Diamond Edition Blu-ray will be available October 2nd.
About Alfred Angelo
Founded in the 1930s by Alfred Angelo Piccione and his wife, Edythe Piccione, Alfred Angelo is one of the world’s leading makers of wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses and is committed to providing beautiful, high-quality bridal and formal dresses at affordable prices. In addition to manufacturing dresses distributed in over 2000 wholesale stores worldwide, the company operates Alfred Angelo Signature Stores located in Arizona, Alabama, California, Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Washington. For more information about Alfred Angelo, please visit www.alfredangelo.com or follow us at www.YouTube.com/AlfredAngeloBridal, www.Facebook.com/AlfredAngeloBridal, www.Twitter.com/AlfredAngelo, and www.Pinterest.com/AlfredAngelo.
About Disney Consumer Products
Disney Consumer Products (DCP), the world’s largest licensor, is the business segment of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) and its affiliates that extends the Disney and Marvel brands to merchandise ranging from apparel, toys, home décor and books to food and beverages, stationery, electronics and fine art. DCP develops Disney entertainment franchises into 365 day-a-year product opportunities at retailers worldwide. DCP is comprised of three businesses: Licensing, Publishing and Disney Store. The Licensing business is aligned around six strategic brand priorities: Disney Classic Characters & Disney Moms and Babies, Disney Media Networks & Games, Disney & Pixar Animation Studios, Disney Princess & Disney Fairies, Disney Live Action Film, and Marvel. Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW) is the world’s largest publisher of children’s books, magazines, and digital products. Disney English is DPW’s English language learning business, which includes over 35 Disney English learning centers across China and a supplemental learning book program. DPW’s growing library of digital products includes best-selling eBook titles and original apps. The Disney Store retail chain operates across North America, Europe, and Japan with more than 350 stores worldwide. Disney Store carries high-quality products, including exclusive merchandise tied to key Disney and Marvel entertainment offerings. www.DisneyStore.com and www.DisneyStore.co.uk are Disney’s official online shopping portals. For more information, please visit Disney Consumer Products or follow us at www.YouTube.com/DisneyLiving, www.Facebook.com/DisneyLiving and www.Twitter.com/DisneyLiving.
###
Media Contacts:
Alfred Angelo
Amanda Sheronas – Director of Public Relations
Office: 267-948-1160
Disney Consumer Products
Marisa Martinez
Office : (626)773-5375
Affordable Alfred Angelo Wedding Dress Seen on the TODAY Show!
Looking for your perfect bridal gown?
Listen to the experts at The Knot and from the TODAY Show! The Knot editor, Anja Winnika, and TODAY Show host, , featured Alfred Angelo wedding dress style 2308 on their ‘Splurge vs. Steal’ TODAY Money segment on Friday, August 31st!
This mermaid gown features an elongated taffeta bodice, beaded empire waist detail, and a pleated organza ruffle tiered skirt with a chapel train. The gown is available in Diamond White or White, as well as fashion colors Glacier, Blush, and Antique Cream, in a lace-up or zipper back, and retails for $999.
Have a beautiful wedding without breaking the bank, with Alfred Angelo!
Watch the video here!
Bridal Gown Designer, Shivonne Kissoondath, Shares Tips & Advice with San Francisco Area Brides
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Alfred Angelo Bridal Designer, Shivonne Kissoondath, To Share Tips & Advice with Brides in Exclusive San Francisco Area Appearance August 18th
Wedding Dress Designer to Offer Expertise to Brides in Roseville, CA Alfred Angelo Signature Store
San Francisco, CA – August 13, 2012 – Behind every beautiful wedding dress design is a remarkable designer. This is your chance to meet our amazing designer, Shivonne Kissoondath!
Shivonne will make an exclusive appearance in the Roseville, CA Alfred Angelo Signature Store, located at 1208 Galleria Blvd., Saturday, August 18, 2012, from 10am- 4pm.
Shivonne will preview bridal gowns created for the Spring 2013 Alfred Angelo collections, and reveal what goes into creating Alfred Angelo’s signature combination of fashion and romance, reflected in every silhouette.
During this one-day Meet The Designer event, Shivonne will also share her expertise with brides, one on one. Lucky brides can get Shivonne’s opinion about finding the best silhouette for their body, venue or type of wedding, or which shade of white look best for their skin tone. Brides will be sure to find the perfect Alfred Angelo wedding dress for their big day.
During her visit brides can save up to $300 on their bridal gown, and receive an autographed sketch of their dress from Shivonne!
Brides should call Alfred Angelo Roseville for an appointment, as capacity is limited: 916-797-1919.
The Alfred Angelo collections make it simple for the bride to find everything she needs for all of her bridal festivities, as well as to outfit her entire bridal party. The Alfred Angelo Signature Store locations carry the full Alfred Angelo bridal collections, including Disney Fairy Tale Weddings by Alfred Angelo, Modern Vintage by Alfred Angelo, Alfred Angelo bridesmaids, flower girl dresses, and special occasion separates.
Alfred Angelo brides are unique, so we offer gowns in sizes 0-26W, in short, tall and regular lengths. Brides can also customize many Alfred Angelo gowns with zipper or lace-up backs, adding sleeves, or by adding a touch of color by adding a bridal sash.
Don’t miss your dream dress. Make your appointment today!
About Alfred Angelo
Founded in the 1930s by Alfred Angelo Piccione and his wife, Edythe Piccione, Alfred Angelo is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses. For over 75 years, Alfred Angelo has remained committed to providing beautiful, high-quality bridal and formal dresses at affordable prices. We are proud to continue our rich tradition of service, style and selection to brides…fashion for every bride, at a price for every budget.
Alfred Angelo takes pride in ensuring that our collections are accessible to thousands of women looking for elegant bridal fashions at affordable prices. Brides can find the Alfred Angelo collections in over 2000 wholesale stores throughout the U.S. and worldwide, as well as Alfred Angelo Signature Stores located in Alabama, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Indianapolis, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Nevada, New Jersey, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Washington. For more information about Alfred Angelo, please visit www.alfredangelo.com.
Find Alfred Angelo on:
Facebook Twitter YouTube Pinterest
Press Contact:
Amanda Sheronas – Director of Public Relations
Office: 267-948-1160
###
Wedding Dress Designer Offers Exclusive Shopping Consultations to Brides in San Diego, CA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Alfred Angelo Bridal Designer, Emmy Skelton, Comes To San Diego Area for Appearance August 18th
Wedding Dress Designer Offers Exclusive Shopping Consultations to Brides in San Diego, CA Alfred Angelo Signature Store
San Diego, CA – August 16, 2012 – Behind every beautiful wedding dress design is a remarkable designer. This is your chance to meet our amazing designer, Emmy Skelton!
Emmy will make an exclusive appearance in the San Diego, CA Alfred Angelo Signature Store, located at 9240 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, Saturday, August 18, 2012, from 10am- 4pm.
Emmy will preview bridal gowns created for the Spring 2013 Alfred Angelo collections, and reveal what goes into creating Alfred Angelo’s signature combination of fashion and romance, reflected in every silhouette.
During this one-day Meet The Designer event, Emmy will also share her expertise with brides, one on one. Lucky brides can get Emmy’s opinion about finding the best silhouette for their body, venue or type of wedding, or which shade of white look best for their skin tone. Brides will be sure to find the perfect Alfred Angelo wedding dress for their big day.
During her visit brides can save up to $300 on their bridal gown, and receive an autographed sketch of their dress from Emmy!
Brides should call Alfred Angelo San Diego for an appointment, as capacity is limited: 858-292-7411.
The Alfred Angelo collections make it simple for the bride to find everything she needs for all of her bridal festivities, as well as to outfit her entire bridal party. The Alfred Angelo Signature Store locations carry the full Alfred Angelo bridal collections, including Disney Fairy Tale Weddings by Alfred Angelo, Modern Vintage by Alfred Angelo, Alfred Angelo bridesmaids, flower girl dresses, and special occasion separates.
Alfred Angelo brides are unique, so we offer gowns in sizes 0-26W, in short, tall and regular lengths. Brides can also customize many Alfred Angelo gowns with zipper or lace-up backs, adding sleeves, or by adding a touch of color by adding a bridal sash.
Don’t miss your dream dress. Make your appointment today!
About Alfred Angelo
Founded in the 1930s by Alfred Angelo Piccione and his wife, Edythe Piccione, Alfred Angelo is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses. For over 75 years, Alfred Angelo has remained committed to providing beautiful, high-quality bridal and formal dresses at affordable prices. We are proud to continue our rich tradition of service, style and selection to brides…fashion for every bride, at a price for every budget.
Alfred Angelo takes pride in ensuring that our collections are accessible to thousands of women looking for elegant bridal fashions at affordable prices. Brides can find the Alfred Angelo collections in over 2000 wholesale stores throughout the U.S. and worldwide, as well as Alfred Angelo Signature Stores located in Alabama, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Indianapolis, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Nevada, New Jersey, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Washington. For more information about Alfred Angelo, please visit www.alfredangelo.com
Find Alfred Angelo on:
Facebook Twitter YouTube Pinterest
Press Contact:
Amanda Sheronas – Director of Public Relations
Office: 267-948-1160
###














