The Secret is Out!

Everyone knows how amazing Solutions Bridal is.....or do they??? We would love for our brides to refer us to their friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, gym buddy... etc.

You looked amazing in your dress from us, and so should your friends! so go a head and send them our way~



Brag about us! We would love for you to! But, wait there is something in it for you...

We have referral cards to hand out to all our brides. If you refer a friend and they purchase their dress with us and hand us their referral card with your name on it, you get a goody in return!! - And who doesn't love surprises?? Trust me ladies the surprise is worth it!!!

Rivini Trunk Show

It is so exciting with all the new RIVNI dresses in the store at Winter Park SB!!! okay, so the other day I went to brides.com to get a preview of the new RIVINI 2010 collection and the pictures did not do them justice!!! They are absoluely GORGEOUS in person!!!

So this weekend is super busy for BOTH stores. I know all our brides in Gainesville area have already bought their tickets for the expo....or will soon. You have until Sunday and they are more at the door so buy your tickets now!!

For all our brides in the Orlando area call now to make an appointment for the RIVINI Trunk show~ 407.647.8666
from left to right: Irise, Brindi, & Lismora

Benefits of a Trunk Show
You get to see the new collection (they will be in the store for this weekend only)
Expert representative from RIVINI, Indira will be in the store to answer any questions
You get to work one on one with Indira
You get 10% off on RIVINI dresses only
Champagne Toast or Mimosas when you purchase your dress!!

Man, I wish I was a bride this weekend!

Two is better than one

We were so fortunate to host Michele Butler with Michele Butler Events and Maureen Hall with Maureen Hall Stationary this past Saturday at the Orlando location for another successful Saturday Social!!

These lovely ladies are two vendors that are a must have!

Michele Butler is a highly respected wedding planner for Central Florida. Some of her weddings have been featured on the Travel Channel and "Whose Wedding is it Anyways?" Michele is very personable and professional and great with detail.

Are you already planning your wedding? Well, you are still going to need day of assistance. Michele Butler has a package for that as well. For more information you check out her website.

Maureen Hall has been in the business for over 30 years. From Save the Dates to Wedding Menus to Programs, Maureen can do it all! She is located right down the street on Park Avenue in Winter Park. To see some of her stunning work, you should stop by her store. For more information check out her website.

Top 10 Reasons....

to come to the Solutions Bridal Expo this Sunday from 12-4:30 @ The Hilton!!
Call 352-367-0070 for tickets today!

The top 10 reasons to be at the show this Sunday are:

10. Drop your fiance off at the poker tables! How convenient!
9. Checkout out the hottest reception venues in Gainesville, The Hilton!
8. See and smell the amazing flowers from awesome floral designers!
7. It's a great girls day out or mother/daugther day!
6. Get your picture taken in the Photobooth! Take it home with you as a souvenir!
5. Eat yummy food from every caterer in town!
4. Plan every detail of your wedding in 1 place! Very cool!
3. Taste the sugary goodness of several different cake artists!
2. See the newest lines for spring 2010 from Bridal Fashion week in New York
1. Win a free honeymoon cruise!!

Looking for that perfect bridesmaid gift? Lauren Wycoff, owner of Green Forest Jewels, makes handmade pieces that can add a special touch to your wedding day. We paired one of the Lazaro Bridesmaid dresses with a Green Forest Jewels Cocktail ring. To see her full collection make sure to check out her online store at www.etsy.com/shop/LaurenWycoff.

Layla & Paul ~ 2009 Grand Prize Winners!

Solutions Bridal is so excited to spotlight one of our Grand Prize winners from the 2009 Florida Bridal Expo. They won a $5,000 wedding day package, including contributions from the best wedding vendors Gainesville has to offer! It is so special to get to know the winning couple and realize how much they truly deserve this extraordinary prize. Layla and Paul met in Gainesville in 2004 while walking their dogs. They have a beautiful love story, and an even more amazing journey to their wedding day. Paul is in the Armed Forces, and he was in Iraq before coming home recently. Knowing that he has devoted his life to protecting our amazing country makes this story hit home even more.

The beautiful couple will be getting married this Spring in Gainesville, and they will be using some of our favorite vendors. We are so excited to see pictures of their big day later on this year. Paul and Layla, we hope your wedding day is more than you ever dreamed it would be and that your marriage is full of love and laughter!! Congratulations!

For those of you readers who are interested in being one of our Grand Prize winners {a $5,000 wedding day package}, you can purchase tickets to the 2010 Florida Bridal Expo here. Tickets are selling out fast, and don't forget the Expo and fashion show is Sunday, January 31st! {You must be present at the Expo to win.}




Vendors they are using:
Adore Weddings and Events
AP Limousine
Crevasses Regency Florist
Ms Debbie’s Sugar Art
Plantation Hall at Haile
Posh Pastry
Solutions Bridal Designer House (Yay! That's us!)
Storybook Events DJ
Sweetwater Branch Inn
The Plant Shoppe Florist
Verve Studio Photography

Worth the wait

Okay, so I have been patiently waiting for these pictures.... the photo shoot took place at the lovely Bella Collina back in December. And it was well worth the wait for the turn out. The pictures are killer!! But I mean how could they not be in a Solutions dress?


Photos courtesy by the talented Brad & Melanie Watson with La Dolce Vita Studio Photography

Dresses are ( from Clockwise) : Anne Barge, "Phoebe" by Kenneth Pool, "Sophisticate" by Kenneth Pool and "Fifi" by Badgley Mischka.




Kudos~

Location- Bella Collina Country Club

Photographers Brad & Melanie Watson- La Dolce Vita Studio Photography
Stylist- Melanie Pace
Make Up Artist- Jillian Caro

Dresses
Short tea length dress by Anne Barge
Sophisticate by Kenneth Pool
Phoebe by Kenneth Pool
Fifi dress by Badgley Mischka

Hair Buzz

I love when we get new arrivals, it makes me feel like it's Christmas again! We just received some new hair accessories from Lori London and they are gorgeous!!

My favorite is this beautiful ivory silk flower hair clip. It has feather accents with a crystal center piece in the shape of a flower.

I think it would look great for a beach wedding or an outdoor spring wedding and stunning with our Watters- "Torrean" gown.

This flower could be worn several different ways. Mollye demonstrated the classy updo. It would also look amazing on a side pony tail in curls, or even with long straight locks.

Pink + Green + Yellow

This week's Inspiration Board was inspired by Spring! Shades of pink, green, and yellow bring in flirty touches to the perfect outdoor Spring wedding. With the classic bridal gown inspired by Watters, your wedding will be an event your guests will not forget! Also, check out the brand new flower girl dress by Us Angles that just arrived into our Gainesville location. It's a perfect simple dress for any flower gril!

Sources:

Bridal Gown: Austin by Watters
Bridesmaid Dress: Dessy Style 2787
Flower Girl Dress: Us Angles
Shoes: Salon Shoes
Cake: The Knot
Boutonniere: The Knot
Reception: The Knot

~WELCOME LAZARO~

Spring 2010

I am so excited to share with you our newly added collection, LAZARO. The first dresses of many have now arrived into our Gainesville location.

LZ3008

This Ivory silk shantung formal bridal ball gown has a ballerina sweetheart bodice, ruched waistband that is accented with vintage fresh water pearl brooch, full gathered skirt with silk flowers at back and chapel train.

LZ3018
Antique silk faced satin formal bridal ball gown, draped sweetheart bodice with wide jeweled band at natural waist, box pleated skirt, chapel train.


Which one of these fabulous new dresses will be our EXPO Show Stopper? Tickets are on sale now at SolutionsBridal.com

There will be more to come. Call to make your appointment today!

Swag Bags

Have you ever wanted a fabulous gift bag full of free goodies like the celebrities get??

Well now you can!! All of our brides here at Solutions in Winter Park are treated like A-list stars and receive first class service. We have put together our own version of the "Swag Bags"

For every bride that purchases their dress with us will receive this amazing gift bag. The value of the bag is estimated around $900!!!!!

Everyone is going crazy over these bags!!!

Our Swag Bag includes: Make up, spa package, spray tan/tanning package, calendar to write dates on, favors, stationary, thank you cards/invitation package, discount on florist package and many more...

We would like to thank all of our sponsors:

Amy Morelli with 2ucollection
Anna Cakes
Dream Designs
Greenery Productions
Maureen Hall Stationary & Invitations
Nu Visions Photography
Pearl Beach Paperie
Studio Cara
Tan 310
The Beauty Spot
Vitality Day Spa

* Swag Bags coming soon to Gainesville Location*

The Florida Bridal Expo

Come to Solutions Bridal's Florida Bridal Expo on January 31st at the Hilton University of Florida Conference Center! Tickets are on sale now at Solutions Bridal in Gainesville or online at solutionsbridal.com for $9. Get your tickets now before the price goes up to $15!

You may also purchase VIP tickets online for $25. VIP brides will receive a VIP bag, early viewing of the vendors, and will get front row seating during the fashion show. They always sell out fast, so make sure you get yours before they are gone!

Over 50 vendors from entertainment to catering will be participating and you will have the opportunity to meet and greet with all of them! These vendors are from the surrounding areas of North Central Florida and can take care of all your wedding needs.


Looking for the perfect wedding dress? Check our our fashion show at the expo, take note of all the dresses you love, and make an appointment to come into Solutions Bridal to meet with one of our consultants after the show!


Four grand prizes include a 4 day 3 night Honeymoon Cruise, two Wedding Giveaways each valued up to $5,000 and a $500 Bed Bath and Beyond gift certificate!

Hope to see you there!

Photos courtesy of TJM Studios Photography

A Message From Our Seamstress:

Wedding Dress Fittings

You should schedule your 1st fitting for your wedding dress about 6 to 8 weeks before your wedding and shoes are a must. If you have not found the shoes you are going to wear on your wedding day, then you need to have a shoe with the same heel height so you get an accurate measurement on your hem. If you decide to change shoes to a different height, whether it be shorter or taller, you must let your seamstress know, for it can make the difference in having a dress too short or one that you will trip and fall on the day of your wedding.

When it comes to whether or not you should wear a bra, one suggestion I can make is that if you are a C cup or bigger, then a bra would be helpful. Some wedding dresses have a built in corset and a bra is not needed. But for a full bust line, the correct fitting bra will give you lift and a good profile. For brides who are looking for a more fuller figure profile, having padded cups sewn in is a quick and inexpensive solution.

Depending on the style of dress, wearing an extra petticoat or crinoline can give you a fuller skirt. It may also alleviate the need for a hem adjustment if it is less than an inch too long or if the hem is one that cant be altered because of a lace edge or beading that will all come apart when altered.

You also need to get your weight as stable as possible. A drop or gain of more than 10 pounds will result in a major change in how your dress fits and will end up costing you more in alterations for numerous changes. Also remember that your dress is very fragile and if it is needed to be let out, the stitching lines or creases from pressing may show.

Usually it takes 2 fittings when having your wedding dress altered. At the 1st fitting, your seamstress will pin your dress as needed to be taken in and talk to you about how you want your dress to fit. Please speak up with any concerns or suggestions you may have, and if you wish to add anything to your dress such as straps, trim, or cap sleeves. For strapless dresses, one important component in having your dress sit properly on you is with an inside belt. This may need to be added to the waist of your dress before an accurate measurement can be taken of your hem. Lastly your seamstress will talk to you about what type of bustle will look best for your dress. Whether you chose a French or Traditional bustle, it should compliment the look and style of your dress.

Alterations will then be made to your dress and a second fitting will be required. Depending on the amount of alterations will ultimately determine how many fittings you will need. Your seamstress may wait to alter the hem until after your dress has been refitted and is sitting on you properly.

If at all possible, bring someone with you to your last fitting. Your seamstress will want to teach you and whoever is with you how to get into your dress, how to do up the bustle, and care instructions for your dress until your wedding day. Your dress should be pressed and ready for you to take home.

For more information please check out Holly's blog.

Hot Off The Press

Badgley Mischka's new bridal design, Fifi, is stylishly introduced in InStyle Weddings. The dress is delicately shown with a stunning drop earring and a more trendy chunky bracelet. The gown has a sweetheart neckline paired with tiered pieces of silk organza. So many brides are looking for a soft flowy dress, but down want the baby doll dress that hides their figure. This dress is a great balance between the two styles.

We will be receiving our very out Fifi in just a matter of weeks. To schedule a try on appointment please give our Winter Park / Orlando location a call: 407.647.8666

Hello 2010!

Romance is in the air here at the Winter Park Salon, we are all in love......in LOVE with the new Kenneth Pool Dress that is. The 2010 collection "Romantic" is sweeping us off our feet!
Pictured above (clockwise): Amy, Christina, and Michelle


Romantic is a royal duchess strapless satin gown with a sweetheart neckline, asymmetrically ruched bodice and bustled skirt. With silver jeweled appliqué accents empire and a side sash this dress will turn heads no doubt! Three of our bridal consultants tried on the gown and it looks AmAzInG on all of them!!

I put together a little inspiration board that would look great with this royal duchess satin dress. If you can't get enough of "Romantic"- just wait! There will be more jaw-dropping gowns for the Kenneth Pool Trunk Show January 8th-10th! Call now to make an appointment!

Another successful Saturday Social~ Thank you Jensen Larson it was a pleasure to have you both!

Bride on the Go? We Heart the IPhone App!

Brought to you by BRIDES Magazine, Brides Dressing Room (PERFECT FRIEND TO THE BRIDAL CLOSET) is the first digital shopping for brides. From your iPhone, you can browse both wedding dresses and bridesmaids dresses from all of our designers, from Jasmine to Alvina Valenta. When you find a gown you like, track it down at one of our stores- Winter Park or Gainesville. Then make an appointment for you to try on the dress of your dreams.

HOW IT WORKS• Browse both wedding dresses and bridesmaids dresses by silhouette, brand and price• Search by neckline, sleeve style, skirt style and length• Tap ‘Find It Near Me’ to find a nearby store within 50 miles. • Confirm the item is available to try on by simply entering your contact information. The Brides Dressing Room team will place a call to our stores during normal business hours and make an appointment for you so you can try on the dress of your dreams• Within 10 minutes, you will receive an e-mail and/or text message with details. You will even have the name of the salesperson to find when you get in-store.

LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK OF THIS APP...WOULD YOU OR ARE YOU USING IT?