This magnificent bride wore “Rowan” by Ella Rosa. Ella Rosa is the little sister of Kenneth Winston, and offers the same couture look at a friendlier price. Rowan captures this designer’s well-known subtle design look perfectly. This gown originally includes an illusion back and beaded straps. However, Jaden worked with our in-house alterations team and made this gown a strapless beauty. She elected to keep the beaded bodice and clear beaded buttons that follow the length of the back, but turned the neckline into a classic sweetheart.
Photographer : Unknown
Here is a peek at how the gown originally begins.
Photo by Ella Rosa
The embroidered cotton lace is boho meets classic and is flattering in any setting, and the lace edging around the hem is a romantic dream. This gown is featured in light gold, but has the option for ivory.
Take a look at a few more of Jaden’s stunning strapless gown in her photos at the Capitol.
This stunning bride wore “Kassidy” by Tara Keely on her big day. Tara Keely is the little sister of Lazaro, and this collection has the same design integrity at an affordable price. Kassidy features an ivory Venise lace bodice with long sleeves and plunging v-neck. The skirt is a fitted crepe, with a chapel train. Tara Keely’s crepe is a beautiful quality and defines natural curves and is comfortable enough to wear all day.
Take a look at how amazing this dress and our bride look!
Created with silk dupioni, this fit to flare gown is one of the more classic looks in the Blush collection. Silk Dupioni is a type of heavy silk fabric that gives the gown a structure, similar to taffeta. Following the elongated bodice, the tiered tulle skirt is edged with a horsehair trim and keeps the structured look from top to bottom. Paola decided to wear the detachable beaded bolero on her special day. This crystal accessory gives a pop of sparkle to an otherwise elegantly clean gown.
Take a look at how beautiful Paola and this gown are at the Utah State Capitol.
This gorgeous bride looked stunning in a Mikaella gown made modest. Mikaella is constantly impressing us with the simple elegance found in every design, but Kaestle enhanced this beauty with a custom build up. Many of our designers can begin the alteration process while the dress is still in production.
Kaestle took this opportunity to fill the back with Mikaella before it arrived. Our very talented in-house alterations team worked with the bride to get a matching lining and to finish making this gown temple-ready.
Originally, this gown features a keyhole back and side inserts. Kaestle opted to fill in the back with the original Guipure lace and used a nude underlay stretch satin lining to give the look more dimension. She kept the Swarovski buttons look and extended them down the entire back which we 10,000% agree with her design choices.
Take a look at the breath-taking detail captured by Duke Moose Photography during her bridals.
This gown is stunning in its original state, or built up!
Mikaella gowns are made with high quality fabrics and all made in Canada, and this dress is no exception. The crepe material will flatter your best curves and is comfortable enough for all day wear. Kaestle was able take her gown up to Moraine Lake in Alberta for these photographs and stay comfortable and radiant throughout.
The simplicity of this gown allows it to be flattering in any setting. From a mountain hotel to a backyard wedding! Check out how stunning Kaestle and the gown looks in Canada.
Elaine wore a ballgown from Ella Rosa by Kenneth Winston. Ella Rosa is the little sister collection to Kenneth Winston. This line has the same design integrity as Kenneth Winston, but is friendlier to your wedding budget. We are proud to be the exclusive retailer for both of these collections in Utah.
The beaded bodice features an illusion back and matching neckline. The scalloped detail along the edges gives the beading a softer look. In addition to the bodice, this ballgown skirt has a delicate lace edging that compliments the simplicity of the tulle material.
This gown originally has a layer of crinoline to give the skirt a fuller look. However, Elaine opted to remove this layer with our in-house seamstress to show a more relaxed look.
This beautiful bride wore a gown by Mikaella that blends classic and edgy. This ballgown skirt is made with an English netting, a softer material than tulle, and a two inch horsehair trim. The handkerchief style gives this gown a lot of movement and enhances the edgy vibes. The bodice is made with Guipure lace, which gives this daring look a romantic feel. The ruched bodice is made from the same skirt material and ties the look together.
When we think of Mikaella, clean and classic tends to come to mind. However, this gown shows how versatile of a collection this designer has.
Our beautiful bride Shelbi wore Kim by Tara Keely on her special day. Tara Keely is designed by Lazaro, and his attention to detail still shines through in this budget-friendly collection. This gown features an Alencon lace bodice on top of a full organza skirt. The ribbon sash that sits around the natural waist, gives this airy gown a touch of feminine beauty. In addition to the sash, the Venise lace appliqués subtly tie the look together. Kim comes in mocha or ivory, either one of them complimenting a wide range of skin tones. This gown is a perfect combination of comfortable and classic.
Dezember Photography captured the stunning couple at Homestead Resort. This venue is a personal favorite of the staff of Bitsy Bridal! Both our manager and I picked this venue for our weddings.
Come and see this gown or any of the other Tara Keely collection by scheduling an appointment.
This wedding has me all sorts of ways! This bride really embraced the classics, with a black and white theme, a 1936 Cadillac, fedoras, and a plethora of roses. You are really taken back in time!
To top it off, this gorgeous wedding took place at Taste, a local chocolate shop in Provo that does gourmet chocolate tastings and produces their own chocolate. (Talk about good taste!)
Not only is the decor in this wedding absolutely stunning, but the dress is a showstopper too! This gown is a gorgeous Tulle New York design. It’s made with an amazing natural silk that has a crisp texture and an elegant feel. This mermaid style really flatters the figure, and is a timeless shape to match the rest of the wedding.
Photographer Ashley Hawkeye did a fabulous job of showcasing the smooth and crisp nature of the gown and the classy atmosphere of the space!
Our blog has featured quite a few different takes on the classy look, but there are so many ways to create an elegant and chic style all your own. The addition of chocolate and warmer tones makes this an extraordinary take on a common theme. The gown also has a unique flare to it that helps it stand apart from the typical mermaid shaped gowns!
We love showcasing our wonderful brides and their fabulous weddings. If you can’t get enough class in your life, check out our other post about modern classics! So and So that this editorial got featured on Utah Valley Bride.
Don’t forget to stop back for more looks at creative weddings and gowns. Call or book online to try on gowns like this from our collection. While you’re at it, reward yourself with some good chocolate. You deserve it. 😉
A question I get from many brides and their mothers is, “Why is this dress so expensive?” Some brides are shocked when they find out that a gown with little-to-no detailing costs more than the gown with all of the tulle and beading in the world. Here is a breakdown of the 4 things that go into making an expensive designer gown. Hopefully, this can help clear up some confusion about gown prices.
DETAILING
As mentioned before, sometimes the detailing isn’t the most costly aspect of a gown – but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t contribute to the overall price.
There are many different types of lace, beading, appliqués, and shimmer. All of them can vary in complexity and quality. If a dress has designer-unique detailing, like this caviar beaded gown from Tara Keely, it is going to be more expensive.
The same goes for lace and other detailing.
FABRIC
Fabric is one of the bigger factors that plays into the price of a gown. Polyester tends to be a cheaper fabric than silk crepe or silk chiffon.
So why isn’t everything made in polyester, or other cheaper fabrics? The simplest answer is that different fabrics create very different looks, and frame your shape in different ways.
For example, silk crepe by Mikaella is a natural fiber that hugs the body, and drapes in a way that no other fabric does. The fabric is one of the first signs of high quality. The quality of the fabric definitely determines the price.
DESIGN
Something that not everyone considers when looking at a gown is the designing that goes into it. To create the unique shape and fit of a gown, a lot of time and thought must be put into the design.
More expensive gowns will have a more calculated pattern that deliberately showcases certain aspects of the figure. This is especially apparent in minimalist styles, like those by Amsale.
Remember, “less is more,” but less is more difficult than it looks. Every line and seam in the dress is purposefully placed to create the effortless-looking shape that you love. The time and talent of our designers is very valuable, and truly transforms a gown, from a blob of fabric to a work of art.
DESIGNER
Last, and certainly not least, is the designer. Every designer has their own invaluable style and creativity. However, much like other areas of fashion, the name behind the creativity is important too.
Because designers like Lazaro and Hayley Paige have made such a big splash in the bridal world with their designs and innovation, they can charge more for their gowns.
There is nothing more amazing than hearing that someone was able to purchase a gown from THE designer. The status of the designer is another factor that can lead to a gown being more expensive.
Hopefully this can shed a bit of light on how gowns get so expensive. When it comes down to it, the quality and craftsmanship determines the price.
It’s always a good idea to keep this in mind when planning your wedding, and thinking about how you want to feel and look in your gown without breaking your bank.
If you want to check out our beautiful, high quality gowns, call or book online to come in and try out our collection. Don’t forget to check back for some more tips! While you wait for next time, check out our post on Alteration Terms, for when you find the dress of your dreams!
This month, we are showcasing a gown from the fabulous line, Alyne by Rita Vinieris! This gown is perfect for the summer months. It’s figure flattering without being too heavy, and it has the perfect amount of sleeve for an outdoor wedding. The talented Lindsey Shaun did such a beautiful job capturing the details of this gown!
This dress comes in ivory (as pictured), as well as a beautiful deep nude color that really makes the overlying lace pop! Both colors are stunning in their own ways. The ivory version of this gown is perfect for the summer because the the coloring isn’t too heavy or deep, and it catches the bright summer sunshine beautifully!
This dress has a gentle mermaid fit with a moving waistline, which creates an elegant silhouette while still hugging the figure in the most flattering ways.
The lace detailing on this gown is absolutely stunning! It has a very unique patterning that sets it apart from your standard lace, and gives it a bit of an edge.
If you are into gowns that are different from your cookie cutter wedding gown, also check out our March: Dress of the Month.
This fabulous design is stunning for a summer wedding. If you love this look, call or book online to come and try this gown on in the nude or ivory! Need more ideas for your dream dress? Check out last months dress of the month for some more inspiration! Don’t forget to check back for some more gown showcases and helpful tips 🙂
For most brides, once you find the gown you can’t live without, you get your measurements taken and your stylist will help you select a size. This size is usually very close to your current measurements or the measurement you may be working towards. Unfortunately, even though the measurements are close, they aren’t perfect. To get the perfect fit you need alterations!
Whether you’re still shopping or already have your gown, here are some tips and things to know!
Here at Bitsy Bridal, we offer our in-house alterations. This means that we have seamstresses that work with us to complete your gown. When you are ready to start the alterations process for your Bitsy Bridal gown, you will come back to the shop where your dress, the seamstress, and one of our stylists will meet you.
SUGGESTED TIMELINE
A lot of bridal boutiques will start alterations 2 months from the wear date, but in our shop we understand that timelines can be tight.
For us, we typically like to have at least 4 alteration appointments at least 10 days apart each, to make sure the gown is perfect. We also have the option of rush alterations, which can range from 4 appointments 7 days apart, to only 3 day alterations. Your stylist will work with your wedding date to make the perfect alteration schedule for you.
The first fitting is the first time you try on your newly arrived gown. In this appointment, the seamstress will see what needs to be done, and talks to you about any special requests (a modest buildup, extra sparkles, etc). This is a good time to bring in the shoes and undergarments you are going to be wearing, so the seamstress can take them into consideration.
The second fitting is usually the scariest for brides. This is because the gown usually looks taken apart, and not like the dream dress you remembered purchasing. This is a very important fitting because it allows the seamstress to make any critical adjustments. Don’t worry! Trust in the process.
The third and fourth fittings usually involve finishing touch types of adjustments, depending on the work that was done. Most brides will have their finished gowns at the end of these appointments!
ALTERATIONS VOCABULARY
Unless you’ve had something altered before, you probably haven’t come in contact with some common terms associated in bridal alts. Here are a few you might hear!
Bustle
Brides always wonder what will happen if they get a gown with a long train. How does it stay out of the way after the ceremony, when you’re dancing and having a good time? You get a bustle! A good bustle will tuck away a long train to keep the gown from being stepped on and ruined. It usually consists of hidden little clips or ribbons, and will keep the gown looking gorgeous whether the train is up or down.Our seamstress can recommend what type of bustle will work best for you!
Taking in/Letting out
More often than not, the dress will come in a bit bigger than anticipated, or maybe the bride lost some weight. No need to fear! The seamstress will take in your gown to make it fit better. She finds the seams in the gowns and brings them in tighter to fit you better. Similarly, if the gown is fitting a bit smaller than expected, then the seams can be let out a bit to be more comfortable.
Bust cups
Brides always wonder “What bra am I supposed to wear with this dress?” The answer is easy! You don’t! To make you more comfortable and to avoid the appearance of straps, the seamstress will put bra cups in your gown. These cups help to support your chest while still keeping the shape of the gown.
Boning
Most brides love to accentuate their figures. Boning is one way of doing this. Boning is a structure through the front portion of the gown that helps maintain shape and give support to both the bride and the dress. If a gown doesn’t have boning, the seamstress can put some in for a better fit. Or, if the boning is unwanted, it can be removed.
Hem
Wedding gowns are sent to fit 5′ 8″ models. Most people aren’t that tall. Of course, the bride can wear higher heels, but if that’s not enough (or if the bride is a flats kind of gal), the seamstress can do a hem on the gown to make it shorter. Most people think a hem is simply chopping off the bottom of a dress. But there are many ways to do a hem, and very few involve completely cutting the bottom of the dress off. The seamstress will help you with what type of hem will be beneficial for your gown.
Hopefully this gives you a good introduction to alterations and how they work! Check out some of our other helpful tips about wedding gowns, like Waistlines, Colored Gowns, and Inclusive Sizes. Don’t forget to check back for our Dress of the Month! If you’re dazzled with our alterations, give us a call or book online. Hope to see you soon, darlings!
A two piece gown can really make a statement and add to your comfort!
Two piece gowns are in! They are chic and comfortable and will definitely make you stand apart from the crowd! Today I want to highlight a couple of gowns from a couple of our favorite designers, Hayley Paige and Mikaella and talk about the look of two piece gowns!
This gown is by the lovely Hayley Paige and her, exclusive to Bitsy, Blush collection! This two piece gown gives you the best of both worlds. A little bit of poof and some boho lace in the bodice. With a gown like this you can still feel comfortable while making a bold entrance and a stylish fashion statement.
This two piece gown by Mikaella takes the look in a different direction. With this style you get comfort and class! The gorgeous lace gives you a sense of youth while the bottom skirt hugs your figure and tells the world that you are elegance! The crepe bottom is so breathable and figure flattering that it really take the two piece look to the next level. This gown is also technically a three piece gown! It comes with the lace bodice with a crepe camisole underneath so you can wear lace for the ceremony and then have an adorable all crepe look for the reception!
To finish us up, I wanted to showcase another beautiful Mikaella gown! this one is the perfect balance between the Hayley Paige gown and the previous Mikaella. With an a-line fit, this gown combines comfort and elegance. With a slight mocha color to it, this dress has dimension and class. It is one of our favorite two piece gowns and it continues to dazzle with is amazing comfort and style.
Two piece gowns sometimes get a bad rap, but there are so many ways to make the look beautiful and bridal! You never really know until you try! If you want to try on the wonderful Mikaella gowns or even the Hayley Paige, give us a call or book an appointment online to see if a two piece gown could be the one for you! Check out out other Bridal Look posts for some more ideas on what you want in a gown!
Waistlines are key in helping to create the shape you want, whether that be a ball gown, mermaid, or even a column gown. Experimenting with waistlines in your search can help you find what flatters you and makes you fall in love!
Your basic waistlines are empire, natural, corset, and dropped. All of which can be created in a defined/fitted or moving style. These beautiful Rebecca Schoneveld gowns are a beautiful example of this!
A defined waistline is just as it sounds: it is defined by a belt, a change in fabric, a seam, etc. A moving waist is the exact opposite, there is still a clear waist but it is defined by the dress’ cut rather than a defining element.
Empire
Falls right below the bust line along your ribcage
Elongates the body
Minimizes a small bust, draws attention to a large bust, flatters a medium sized bust
A dress with an empire waist will often (not always) hide your stomach and is sometimes popular for pregnant brides
This Amsale gown really showcases this cut in a modern and chic manner.
Natural
Falls at your actual waist: the indent between your hip bone and your ribcage
Flattering on most body types
Can hide hips and stomach without drawing too much attention to your bust
Most gowns will have a natural waist
This Tara Keely gown shows the popular and flattering natural cut!
Corset
This waistline is usually overlooked and lumped into a category with either natural or dropped. But it is very unique.
Hits very close to your hip bone
Can “cut” a shorter frame and make them look childlike
Wonderful if you have long legs and a short torso
Shows off a flat stomach
Often paired with a corset (lace up) back
This Elizabeth Cooper gown is a good example of the corset look!
Generally found in ballgowns or fit-and-flare styles
Hayley Paige does a beautiful job showcasing this dropped-waist mermaid!
Never be afraid to try different waistlines! Who knows! You might run into something you never would have thought of before! Finding a gown in a process so have some fun and and try something new! If any of these gorgeous gowns and their designers caught you eye give us a call or schedule an appointment online to try on some different and flattering cuts! Check out our other helpful guides like inclusive sizes and bridal colors. Come back and check us out for more beneficial tips!
Mikaella is one of our favorite designers and is definitely worth a highlight! We love Mikaella for a number of reasons, one of those being their amazing fabrics! Their silk crepe continues to impress and outshine other crepes. The shoot, done by the wonderful Maddie Jeppson, highlights this amazing designer is made from that beautiful silk crepe!
Mikaella is based in Toroto, Canada. They make sure to keep every detail of the process in Canada, so your dress can be 100% North American made! Check out their amazing story here to learn more about this fantastic designer!
Every time I put a bride in a Mikaella gown their first thoughts are always that it’s so comfortable! Their second impressions usually follow the theme of being so classic but dramatic. Mikaella is an expert in comfort! They are also definitely unique in combining this expertise with incredible fits and silhouettes.
This designer continues to amaze and dazzle in such a simple way. We have loved highlighting them their gorgeous gowns! Check out our highlight of another favorite, Kenneth Winston! If you are looking for amazing fits, fabrics, and designs give us a call or schedule an appointment here. We can help you find the gown that makes your special day amazing! Check out some of our other fabulous collection from amazing designers and stay tuned for more designer showcases!
This month we are highlighting a gorgeous Amsale gown!
Welcome back for another showcase this month of a beautiful bride and her fantastic gown! This gown was featured in Bridal Musings and we think it deserves a bonus highlight! Check them out as well to get some more bridal inspiration for your big day!
Modern garden styled shoot with Mandy in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Plain and simple never goes out of style! Glitter and glam will fade and change, but a simple sillouette is truely timeless! The style of this gown is a testement to that with its flattering cut accentuated by simple and modern lace.
The beautiful illusion back along with the delicate buttons trailing the train finish this simple look with a dash of elegance! Our featured gown is designed by Amsale who is a master of simple elegance that flatters in beautiful and unique ways. Amsale has been a favorite at our shop for a while because of this modern elegance that some bride crave!
Illusion backs are wonderfully trendy right now! Everyone loves the dimention and flattering look it give while maintaining a sense of comfort and coverage. This dress it absolutely stunning and this bride really exemplifies the style of simple elegance. We have loved showcasing our dress of the month! Check out our favorites from January,February, and March ! If you can’t get enough of that simple elegance chic design give us a call or schedule an appointment here and we can help you find the gown you absolutely adore! Don’t forget to check back here for our next dress of the month! Come check out our fabulous collection from amazing designers!
