Contact StarDust:
972.781.1619

Contact LuLu's:
214.871.9610

Contact A Curvy Bride:
972.388.5230

Contact A Bridal Closet:
469-366-0788

Friday, March 30, 2012

Trend Alert: Bridal Gown Straps and Sleeves

Kate Middleton might have had something to do with it. Or perhaps it could be attributed to the huge vintage movement. Or maybe it’s just a turning of the tide after sooooo many years of going without. Whatever the driving force behind it, straps and sleeves are back – and in a big way! And to be quite honest, as much as we do love a beautiful strapless gown, we could not be happier about this growing trend!

Sleeves – whether cap, three-quarter, illusion or some other style – afford brides more coverage and can give them security that they won’t be tugging their gown up all evening. (While this won’t really happen with a properly fitted and professionally altered strapless gown, brides do occasionally voice this as a concern.) There are many options in straps as well: spaghetti or halter; thick or thin; one or two; lace, silk or organza; plain or embellished. Brides have more flexibility than ever when choosing a gown that will be perfectly suited to their style.

Thankfully, designers are stepping up to meet this increasing demand for straps and sleeves. Many are finally offering more styles with these features.
Alvina Valenta 9159

 
Jim Hjelm 8203

Jim Hjelm 8211


Lazaro 3202

Some designers offer gown styles that come with detachable straps.
David Tutera for Mon Cheri 112201 comes with detachable spaghetti and halter straps


All of these gowns from James Clifford Collection (clockwise from top left: styles J11237, J11234, J11245, J21117) include detachable spaghetti and halter straps


Angelina Faccenda from Mori Lee 1218 comes with a detachable one shoulder strap

Several designers are also offering jackets or shrugs or also lace vest or bolero pieces that often will turn a regular strapless gown into a gown with the keyhole in the back.
Alvina Valenta 9200 with and without shrug


Allure 2319 with and without keyhole-creating bolero


Birnbaum & Bullock Rebecca with and without feather shrug


David Tutera for Mon Cheri 112219 with and without bolero


Davide Tutera for Mon Cheri 112208 with and without "armlets"


Jim Hjelm 8202 with and without feather shrug



Tara Keely 2205 with and without keyhole-creating bolero
 Other designers are offering customization, allowing the addition of straps or sleeves to the body of an ordinarily strapless gown at the time of manufacturing. Your bridal stylist can work with you to find a designer that is customization-friendly. How that works is that the bride would select a strap/sleeve from a different gown in the same designer’s collection that will be added to the erstwhile strapless gown at the time the bride’s gown is made. Designers will often accommodate these types of customizations, but there will always be an additional charge associated with any modifications. Also, do keep in mind that not all designers are willing or able to modify a style.

But do not worry if you fall in love with a gown that cannot be restyled at the factory. Stardust offers customization to add straps or sleeves as part of the alterations process! You can rely on our expert bridal stylists and multi-talented alterations department to help you find – or create – the gown of your dreams! When ordering your wedding dress, you would order additional coordinating fabric or lace from the designer and work with our alterations experts to design the style of strap or sleeve you desire. This gives brides opportunity to think outside of the box, giving them many options regarding fabric used, as well as the width and placement of the straps. Here are just a few examples of what we can do in-house.
A little tip: Connecting the strap close to the arm pit covers a part of the body many girls don't like
Your wedding gown should reflect your true personality and be everything you’ve dreamed. Adding straps or sleeves to an otherwise strapless gown you love even if you’re not a strapless-gown-kind-of-bride is just another way to have your cake and eat it too! Let us know how we can help you discover your dream wedding gown.

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Stardust Among Sponsors of This Weekend's Bachendorf’s 2nd Annual Diamond Dash

Stardust Celebrations is thrilled to be a sponsor of the Second Annual Bachendorf’s Diamond Dash! Taking place this Saturday, this fun and free adventure is a cell phone-led treasure hunt around downtown Dallas.
Two-person teams will compete for the grand prize of a $15,000 RITANI diamond ring! An after-dash party and awards ceremony will be held at the House of Blues. Read all the fine print and register your team at the event’s website.

We are pleased to join an awesome team of partners!
106.1 KISS FM
Bachendorf’s
The Cake Guys
House of Blues
Lenicam Productions
Rhiannon Lee Photography
RITANI
Stardust Celebrations
The Texas Wedding Guide
W Hotel Victory
WOKC (Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer)

Bachendorf’s 2nd Annual Diamond Dash
Saturday, March 31, 2012
11:00 a.m.
Woodall Rogers Plaza (corner of N. Houston and Continental)
Registration: www.bachendorfsdiamonddash.com

We hope to see you there! Happy hunting!

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Eve of Milady and Mori Lee Trunk Shows This Weekend

Join us at the Bridal Salon at Stardust for the gorgeous Spring 2012 bridal gown collection from Eve of Milady. Schedule your appointment by calling 972.781.1619.

LuLu's Bridal Boutique is hosting a trunk show for the beautiful Spring 2012 bridal line from Mori Lee. No appointment required. We hope to see you there!

Monday, March 26, 2012

A Sweet New Food Truck

As longtime wedding pros, it does our hearts good to see a perfect marriage! We are thrilled to share with you the great union of two fabulous trends we’ve shared with you in past posts: the whoopie pie and the food truck!

Earlier this month, Rockstar Bakeshop rolled out a killer new set of wheels: “Layla” their whoopie pie food truck. The truck dishes out delectable treats inspired by classic rock, and with names like “Sweet Emotion” (hello, red velvet!) and “Ace of Spades” (think s’mores), they are both delicious and fun! In addition to the whoopies, Rockstar offers an assortment of gourmet dipped pretzels, cookie bar delights and more.


Check out their website to get details on Layla’s schedule or info on booking them for your event!

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Wedding Showcase Events this Week

As we shared a few days ago, we have two amazing trunk shows this weekend at our Stardust Bridal Salon. But there are some other fun wedding doings going on this week we knew you'd want to know about! Check out the registration info by clicking on each event's link.

Tonight, Hickory Street Annex and Gil's Elegant Catering are putting on a Vintage Carnival Open House! The showcase will feature Dallas wedding vendors, cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, sweet treats, a fireworks display, wedding decor ideas and more. Looks like so much fun, doesn't it?!


And this Saturday is the Swoon event at the South Side on Lamar. This fabulous creative wedding market and party will feature plenty of green and DIY ideas, dozens of Dallas wedding vendors and abundant inspiration! You are sure to swoon!

Happy planning!

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Two Fabulous Trunk Shows this Weekend

The Bridal Salon at Stardust Celebrations presents the fabulously dramatic spring 2012 collection from Matthew Christopher. Schedule your appointment today to see these gorgeous fashion forward bridal gowns: 972.781.1619.

Award-winning designer Debra Moreland will join us at the Stardust Bridal Salon during a trunk show for her fabulous Paris veil and accessory collections. Bring your wedding gown with you to your appointment if you already have it, but don't worry if it's not in yet! We can dress you in a sample gown similar to your style. Call now to schedule your appointment to put the crowning touch on your wedding day look: 972.781.1619.

Monday, March 19, 2012

Trend Alert: Brooch Bouquets

Ubiquitous to weddings, fresh flowers are always fantastic. But we love seeing the trend of brooch bouquets for brides continue to grow! These are especially gorgeous in a vintage wedding, but can be incorporated no matter your style or theme. Look at all of these unique designs!

What makes these stunners so special – besides each bouquet being a one-of-a-kind creation – is that they can become a family heirloom, a keepsake to cherish for generations to come. They can also be made with jewelry contributions from friends and family members, making these beautiful bouquets uber sentimental! Here are several more gorgeous examples!


All of these striking brooch bouquets are from Amanda Jane Herr at Fantasy Floral Designs, creator of the Vintage Brooch Bouquets™. More florists are starting to venture into making these amazing designs, so if you love these like we do, talk with your floral designer to see what the two of you can dream up for your wedding day bouquet!

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Watters/Wtoo Fashion Soiree Recap

We are so excited to bring you the gorgeous highlights of last week's fabulous Fashion Soireé for the Spring 2012 collections from Watters and Wtoo. Held at our Stardust Bridal Salon, the beautifully styled fashion show featured bridal gowns and bridesmaid dresses from both lines. We hope you were able to join us, but if not, below are a few fantastic photo montages recapping the event, courtesy of Don Mamone!





If you want to be among the first to know about our next special in-store event, join our mailing list on our website! We produce a limited number of exclusive events each year and they are always great fun!

Special thanks again to our wonderful vendor partners on this fabulous show!
Don Mamone Photography
Ducky Bob’s
Elan Makeup Studio
Garden Gate Floral Design
Simply Music

Monday, March 12, 2012

Lazaro Trunk Show This Weekend

Join us at Stardust Bridal Salon this weekend for our bridal gown trunk show for the fabulous Spring 2012 collection of Lazaro. Limited appointments available so call to reserve your time: 972.781.1619.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Stardust’s Fort Worth Club Showcase Display

Did you catch us at the Forth Worth Club’s Annual Bridal Showcase this past Monday evening? It was a great night of visiting with FW-area brides and some of our favorite fellow wedding vendors! Stardust was thrilled to be asked to create a design for the event, and this gorgeous tablescape was the result of our efforts.

Isn’t it lovely?! Our color palette included apricot, lavender, cream and antique rose, perfect muted hues for a vintage wedding. And speaking of vintage, look at the pearls and lace!
The Forth Worth Club, with its 1920s-era ballroom, was a great venue to feature this design honoring times past.

We also put together this traditional cake display, so simply elegant with soft amber lighting, georgette draping and beautiful floral to compliment our classic tablescape.

Our own Marsha Ballard French with Fetê des Fleurs' Craig and Darren.
BIG kudos and thanks to our fabulous vendor partners for helping us bring this wonderful vision to life:
Ducky Bobs, linen and china
Fetê des Fleurs, floral
With a Bit of Pizazz, menus and place cards
Ft Worth Club, wedding cake

p.s. We know our iPhone photos do not do this fabulous design justice, but hope you enjoyed them nonetheless!

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Trend Alert: Bridal Gown Bling

As we forecast for you here, bling is king in bringing texture to bridal gowns. Ostentatious glitz is HUGE for 2012. This look is especially impactful when paired with a simple fitted skirt; case in point is this glamorous gown from Lazaro, embellished with Swarovski crystals and mother of pearl:

We love this gown! Here is the front and back, full length – absolutely phenomenal, isn’t it?!

Here are a few other heavily beaded styles with a slim silhouette:
Simone Carvalli

James Clifford Collection
 This bodice style is also fabulous with unadorned fuller skirts, quite the baroque look. Check out at some of these stunning options!
Allure Bridals
 
Eve of Milady
 
Casablanca
 
Jim Hjelm
 
Allure Bridals
 
Watters

David Tutera for Mon Cheri
Brides, what do you think? Any of you going this gorgeous route with your wedding gown?