Two Looks On Your Wedding Day

03.25.21

You have dreamt about your wedding dress ever since you were little. Maybe you have envisioned a glamorous ball gown, a conservative, classic look, or a lacey A-line that truly captures your Pinterest goals. You go to your style appointment to try on numerous gowns and narrowed it down to two. Your heart is breaking because you cannot decide which one to choose. One dress captures your sweet and romantic side while the other one brings the dazzle you want for your reception. We have a solution to save all that stress by just choosing both! Create the best of both worlds by wearing two looks. A decision you will not regret!

Benefits of Two Dresses

Having two wedding dresses on your wedding is a great way to show off your personality and leave a lasting impression. It sets the tone for the ceremony and gives creative room for your reception. Also, it allows you to honor any religious or cultural beliefs during the ceremony, but you can still be yourself during the reception. Comfort is an important factor, so choose a loose dress to eliminate any frustrations with mobility, especially on the dance floor. A long sleeve elegant look for your ceremony may satisfy any religious customs, whereas a lightweight silk dress with beaded spaghetti straps may be perfect for a reception full of dancing. Another terrific reason to hop on the two-look train is to accommodate for weather or location changes. Having the luxury of versatility can be your best friend on your big day.

Pronovias: Emily Gown

Hayley Paige: Fleet Wood Gown

TWO LOOKS ON A BUDGET

Sottero and Midgley | Koda

Still wanting to get that two-look attire on your wedding day but need to save money for other wedding essentials. A wonderful option is to buy one gown, but you can add layering pieces like a detachable overskirt or a beautiful capelet. Adding details and accessories creates the same effect, and still stays within your budget.

Enzoani: Style ENZNURIT-L

Your wedding day is something special and all attention will be on you. Make the most of your day and decide what will the best option for you! Also, just to think about how amazing your photos will be! Two wedding looks will transform your photos that you will cherish forever.

What do you think about incorporating two wedding looks? Comment below and let us know!

Shopping Tips for the Busty Bride

10.10.20

How to Shop for a Wedding Dress as a Busty Bride

We regularly get asked on our Instagram and Facebook often how to shop for wedding dresses as a busty bride. Finally, the wait is over! We spoke to our bridal consultants and expert alterations staff to learn how to approach shopping for your special day as a busty bride, and these are the tips you definitely don’t want to miss. Get the scoop, below.

Think about strap options.

Definitely explore styles with straps thick enough to cover your bra straps! This way, you’ll have extra support and no one will even know. Cap sleeves are a great option here too. Keep in mind, while a spaghetti strap might look nice, the weight of your bust might make these skinny straps dig into your shoulders. Stiffer strap fabrics (think satin, crepe, etc.) will also provide extra support, while fabrics like delicate mesh will not.

Perfect dress options with straps:

Pronovias Orobia Gown

Robert Bullock Avril Gown

Opt for styles with a higher back.

Dresses with raised backs or corsets make great options for a busty brides. This way, a bra can be worn without it being seen, plus a corset can be adjusted as needed for extra support.

Our favorite high backed dresses:

Sottero & Midgley Kevyn Gown

Martin Thornburg 119255 Gown

Don’t count out an illusion neckline as a busty bride!

While some might think sheer illusion in the bodice would be off limits for a bigger chest, fear no more! If you’re totally in love with the look of illusion, we say “yes”—just keep in mind you’ll need to wear a skin colored bra for some secret support. Depending on the level of illusion or cut outs, your alterations manager might suggest filling in these areas with lace, lining or detailing to accommodate undergarments. Keep in mind, customization fees may apply here.

Our favorite illusion dresses:

Haley Paige Effie Gown

Badgley Mischka Cayenne Gown

Think about bust-friendly necklines.

If you’re not wild about cleavage, there are great bust-friendly necklines out there for you! Instead of a more revealing v-neckline, try a bateau neckline or a pretty off-the shoulder look. Both of these styles can incorporate a strapless bra to give you the support you need, but still show off your décolletage.

Our favorite chest flattering gowns:

Allison Webb Ava Gown

Sassi Holford Astrid Gown

The options are truly endless when it comes to finding the perfect gown for you! Of course, if you’re dream gown isn’t listen, or is missing one of these features- don’t fret! Trust that you’ll be in good hands when you arrive for your appointment at StarDust!

Ready to put these tips to use and find your dream gown? Make an appointment!

The Truth About Wedding Gown Sizing

09.09.20

Wedding Gown Sizing

After 20 years of making bridal dreams come true, we’ve found that wedding gown sizing tends to surprise brides to be. It can be confusing, especially when you’re first jumping into the world of wedding gowns. We want to help make these numbers a little easier to digest.

Sizing is just a number.

Bridal sizing isn’t like typical street wear sizing. While you might be a size 4-6 in jeans, you may be a bridal size 8-10, and if you’re a size 14-16, you’re likely a 18-20. Don’t worry about it–sizing is just a number! Each designer uses a different size chart as well. So being a size 4 in one designer doesn’t mean you’re a bridal 4 across the board. This is where your stylist comes in. They will be well versed in bridal sizing, so you can just enjoy the ride!

Trunk show dresses tend to come straight from the runway, so they may run smaller.

If you’re shopping during a trunk show, most styles are brought from the designer fresh off the runway. With that, don’t be discouraged if you see a sample in a size 2 or 4—we’ll likely receive our very own sample to try on in a standard bridal sample size 10 or 12 a few months after the trunk show.

Consider your bust size when choosing gown sizing.

Most bridal samples have a B cup size to match, and plus size samples have a C or D cup. Don’t fret if your bust is not that size—as the size of the dress you order increases, so will the cup size. Some designers can customize the sizing and open the cup size to match your proportion as well. Again, your stylist is a pro at sizing and designers, so don’t get too caught up in learning all the details before your appointment. You will be in great hands!

Your measurements and wedding gown sizing can be two different things.

When you say “yes” to your dream dress, we will take three measurements—your bust, waist and hip. Your dress is then ordered to your largest measurement. Because designers do not accommodate a “split size”—meaning you may be a 4 on top but your hip measurement calls for an 8—we’ll order you a size 8 and alter it to fit you to your exact specifications.

Equipped with bridal know-how and ready to shop? Make an appointment.

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Things We Love: Gowns with Sleeves

08.26.20

Gowns with Sleeves

With this terrible Texas heat, we can’t help but dream of colder days ahead. What better way to dream of fall and winter weather than swooning over the perfect gowns for the season? Gowns with sleeves have been around for quite some time, but we’ve seen some fun updates to the traditional look that we must share!

Sleeves with a Twist

The Dolly by Badgley Mischka gown features sleeves AND a detachable cape. Such a chic gown, while still featuring a classic bridal silhouette. You can wear the cape for your ceremony with or without a veil, then remove it for your reception!

Opaque Modern Sleeves

Robert Bullock’s Nora gown features a silhouette similar to Meghan Markle’s wedding gown. The big standout feature is the stunning lacy piece at the bodice. Chic and sophisticated with a dash of sass.

Shake it up with Your Sleeves

Eve of Milady’s style 4379 is an absolute show stopper. From it’s plunging neckline to it’s gorgeous train.. it has it all. Let’s not forget about it’s detachable sleeves! Keep them attached for your ceremony, and remove them to dance the night away!

Modest Boho Sleeves

Pronovias’ Mimosa gown is the perfect flowy boho look. Plus, it passes the modesty test if you’re looking for a modest bridal gown. From the neckline to the hem it’s so dreamy!

Timeless Sleeves

Pronovias’ Malibu gown is a fun updated take on Princess Kate’s gown! It’s both luxurious AND sophisticated. The lace scalloped neck line and classic silhouette are to die for!

Simple Cap-sleeves

The Hayley Paige Brando gown is beautiful with it’s plunging neckline and lace features. It’s perfect for the bride wanting a little bit of sleeve coverage without fully committing to covered arms!

Sleeves that Pack a Punch

Sottero and Midgley’s Zander is one of our favorite gowns. For the bride wanting to make a statement, this fits the bill. An absolute showstopper! (That also comes in ivory for the bride that loves the look, but isn’t dreaming of a black wedding gown.)

Sleek and Chic Sleeves

Paloma Blanca’s 4839 gown is sleek and chic look for the modern bride. The simplicity of this gown is so crisp and beautiful. This gown adds a little extra coverage without taking away from the stylish look.

Hopefully this list has given you a little bit of gown inspo, or been a good distraction from this heat! To see more of our gowns click HERE.

To see any of these gowns or to view our large collection in our Plano showroom, schedule your appointment HERE today!

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the wedding planning process- We have a planning department! After twenty years of celebrating love, they’d love to help YOU! Click HERE to learn more!

Find Your Perfect Bridesmaids Dress Online

03.24.20

Find the Right Bridesmaids Dresses Online

Now that you’ve found your dream wedding gown, it’s time to start another gown shopping journey: the quest for the perfect bridesmaid dresses. Check out our tips on finding the perfect bridesmaid dresses for you and your squad below.

Begin by Browsing

Start off by doing some research. In the digital age, you can scroll through endless bridesmaids dress options on your phone. You can see our large selection of online gowns here.

Shop Accordingly

Consider what kind of shopping experience will suit your personality best. Do you want their input? Do you want to pick their bridesmaids dresses and then send them a link? Once you decide how you’d like to proceed, buying bridesmaids dressing online will be a seamless process!

Stick to your Aesthetic

To ensure your bridal party matches your style, order your gown before making any decisions about the bridesmaid dresses.

Ordering Etiquette

It can sometimes take up to six months for orders to arrive and four to six weeks for alterations. A six to eight month cushion will give you and your friends ample time to find and order the dresses and get them fit.

Select a Dress Shade

There are several foolproof ways to pick the perfect color. One of the easiest methods is to play off the color schemes of your palette, the venue and the season. For instance, if your wedding will be held at a rustic vineyard with burgundy décor, you might want to rule out clashing hot pink bridesmaids dresses. Rich colors—marsala and emerald—work well in the fall and winter months, while lighter shades—mint and lavender—are perfect for spring and summer weddings. If you’re still at a loss for exactly which hue to choose, go for a general color, like green, and let your bridesmaids pick their favorite shades from light to dark for a trendy, mismatched look. Want to push the envelope even further? Consider unique colors or prints- floral bridesmaids dresses are hot right now. Just remember: Patterns work best in smaller parties and should be paired with simple accessories. Or, you could opt for an all-white bridal party, à la Kate Middleton, for a bridesmaid look that’s crisp and chic.

Find Complementary Colors

Also, think about choosing a shade that goes well with a variety of skin tones. Stonewashed colors, like blush, greige (a combination of gray and beige) and sand, are universally flattering and right on trend. Jewel tones (think amethyst, emerald and sapphire) complement fairer complexions, while brighter, bolder hues, like cobalt blue and hot pink, pop against darker skin. Want an edgier feel? Try flattering metallic, like silver, bronze and champagne. If you’re opting for a print, make sure the dominant colors work with your entire bridal party. Or alternatively, deck out just your maid of honor in a print and keep the rest of your girls in solid colors. Fully embellished dresses are another fashion-forward option for a more glamorous affair. A velvet bridesmaids dress in the winter is super chic! We also love the idea of mismatched sequin dresses—that way your bridesmaids can choose a shade that suits them. You could even include the Mother of the Occasion gowns when planning your complementary color scheme. Click here to learn more about Mother of!

Find the Right Fit

A bridesmaid dress is typically ordered using a person’s biggest measurements (from the bust, waist and hips), so your friends will likely buy dresses at least a size larger than they normally wear. If a friend wants to buy a size smaller, let her know it’s much easier to alter a larger dress, and if the dress ends up being too small, she’ll likely have to order a new one and you’d hate for that to happen. Click HERE for a video that will show your bridesmaids how to properly measure themselves to order their bridesmaids dresses online!

All in all, shopping online for your bridesmaids has never been easier! Select the gown, send them the link, and they can do the rest. Don’t forget to use the code FREESHIPPING for free ground shipping in the US! Happy shopping!

Shop here!