Say Yes To The Dress

"On her wedding day a woman should be certain that she has found a dress that makes her feel confident and above all else, beautiful"- Carolina Herrera

I would imagine, since being engaged, that you have an array of wedding dress questions- What style would best suit me? How much should I spend? Who should I take with me? Fear not my followers, for I have broken down the wedding dress shopping experience in a few simple and easy to follow points. 

I always tell my clients that planning a wedding should always be stress free. Now although that statement isn't always true, I'm hoping that my tips and tricks will alleviate at least one or two of those stresses.

Let's get right into it!

#1 The B Word

Let's address the elephant in the room. Setting and budget is superrrr important! I know we all have that secret Pinterest board with the most amazing wedding dresses, but before you get too carried away be honest with yourself on how much you're willing to spend. This will be extremely helpful at your appointments since the bridal stylist will be able to narrow down your search and provide options within your price range. Try not to try on dresses outside of your budget, this can lead to unnecessary disappointment and stress. Take a deep breath...We are cool, calm, and collected...say it with me!

Our GORG bride Nataley (photographed above) shared the following advice:

"Be honest about your price point and your "wiggle room" because the final price will include the veil and alterations and it's going to be higher than you expected".

#2 Do Your Homework

Start by perusing social media, or checking out some websites to see different styles of wedding dresses. There are so many shapes, sizes, colours, fabrics and designers to choose from so it's a good idea to create a folder on your phone and save some pictures. After a while you will see a common theme of what you're looking at and this will help narrow your search.

Bridal Musings has a great article and quiz on finding the perfect wedding dress style. Click here to read more!

#3 The Early Bird Gets The Worm

Start shopping 9-12 months in advance (if possible). This gives you ample time to set appointments so that it doesn't feel rushed. More importantly, many dresses are custom made and orders can take a while, especially if it's being shipped from abroad. Hey, if you're lucky you might even find something off the rack which is great!

#4 Get Out Your 2020 Planner

The one purchase I've regretted in 2020 was a yearly planner, because quite frankly I felt like Covid-19 never heard the song "Girls just wanna have fun". BUT, here's your chance to use it! Start making your appointments at Bridal Salons. Contact your local salons and check their availability, it's a good idea to set two or three appointments a day (keep it all fresh) but be sure to give yourself enough time to get to each destination, and to take a break to eat. Let's avoid being a hangry bridezilla...please.

Pro Tip: Here are some questions you should ask when you're at your bridal trials.

- How long would it take for the dress to be made and delivered?

- Do you offer alterations?

- Is there an additional fee for alterations and shipping?

-What's the best way to transport my gown?

- Should I steam my dress on the wedding day itself?

- Can you show me how to bustle my dress? (I would suggest delegating bustle duties to a member of your bridal party, since you're definitely going to need their help).

#5 Choose your Bride Tribe

Call ahead and ask the salon the maximum amount of persons you're allowed to have with you. This would help you to select the key persons who need to be at the trial. ie. Those who might be helping you to pay for the gown.

#6 Nails Done, Hair Done, Everything Did!

Drake suggested it, so it must be right. Get your hair, makeup and nails done so you can envision the full picture when you try on those special gowns!

#7 Captain Underpants

Wear the proper undergarments and shoes. Try to wear nude undergarments, preferably the ones you will wear on the actual night. It's also important to wear a shoe of similar height to the one you will be wearing since this will have an impact on the alteration of the length of the dress.

#8 Thick Thighs, Thin Patience

To my curvy girls, do not get discouraged by sizing! I repeat, do not get discouraged by sizing! Many stores carry sample sizes of dresses and trust me when I say its 'One Size Fits None......'. Often times salons will put you in a different dress from the same designer to figure out sizing, before selecting the actual dress you want. Fortunately, we are in 2020 and salons have realized that the majority of women are above a size 10 and they have expanded their sample sizes, yay 2020!

#9 Keep An Open Mind

I know you saw that Vera Wang ballgown with the pockets and the bow and the diamonds dripping down the neckline... but there are thousandsssssss of dresses out there so how about we give them all a fair chance? I personally LOVE a trumpet style dress, but I won't mind trying on a ballgown, I might end up loving it more!

#10 Beach Please..

Think about your location, are you getting married on the beach, a ballroom or in the good ole outdoors?Knowing your venue will be key in selecting an appropriate gown. But hey, if you want to wear a ball gown on the beach, who am I to stop you? Get it girl!

#11 Listen To Your Stylist

Your stylist has seen it all, the bridezillas, the bridal party who has no filter, and the moms who can't stop crying. Listen to their feedback since this is their area of expertise! They may suggest designers styles and colours you never though about.

#12 Let's Take a Selfie

Ask permission before snapping photos of the dress you're in. Most salons will allow it since they want you to remember your options. Take a good look at the photos and compare them to see which ones makes your heart feel all the happiness!

#13 Don't Be Afraid of Commitment

Well, you're not, since you did say yes to spending the rest of your life with your partner...NO PRESSURE (jk). It's okay to say yes to the first dress you try on! If you're totally head over heels in loveeeeeeeee with it, then babe it's yours! Just go into it with your whole heart. #noregrets

#14 Be Amy Santiago

Y'all watch Brooklyn 99 right? Amy LOVES a good binder. Keep a wedding binder, or for you technologically savvy folks, keep track of your contracts, delivery dates and schedules alterations on your phone! We love an organized bride.

If you use my tips above to help you select your wedding dress be sure to let me know by tagging @tulleandtuxedo on Facebook and Instagram!

Instagram Live- Let's Talk Wedding Shopping < Click link!

Happy Shopping!

With Love,

Tulle and Tuxedo

Photos by: Gary Jordan Photography

The Perfect Venue

He asked, and you said YES! You’ve enjoyed a wonderful week of celebrations and took hundreds of ring selfies which you captioned “Does this ring make me look engaged?”. You maybe even emailed Beyoncé requesting that she change her lyrics to “he liked it, so he put a ring on it”.

 

At this point, everyone has asked these two questions:

1.     When is the wedding?

2.     Where are you getting married?

 

No pressure...

Choosing your date and venue is one of the first things on your wedding planning checklist, since it influences every single decision you make. A wedding date is chosen based on several factors such as religious significance, tradition or simply just a memorable date for the couple such as an anniversary.

 

Once you have your selected date, let’s talk about things to consider when selecting your venue:

1.     Availability- Is your date flexible? This will play a major factor in narrowing down your search. Wedding venues are booked 6-12 months (or more) in advance, so knowing your date is important. If your date is non-negotiable, this will narrow your search considerably, however if your date is flexible then you will have more options.

2.     Guest List- Your guest list determines the space you need. When shopping around for your venue, it’s important to ask about the maximum capacity seated. A good tip would be to factor in the space needed for a stage, dance floor, bar and buffet setup. Sometimes, venues have separate spaces for food and beverage so be sure to ask!

3.     Know Your Budget- Think about how much you’re willing to spend on your venue and keep in mind that some venues offer more than just the space. Many venues are equipped with basic setup items; tables, chairs, white linen etc. Factor in the cost of renting those items, when selecting a venue that does not provide basic setup.

4.     Think About What’s Included- Some venues, like hotels, offer a full-service package which includes the event space, basic setup, food, beverage, service, parking, and rooms. While hotels usually have a stigma for being pricier, you have to consider the cost of these items if you had to source it externally for a venue which does not provide those services.

5.     Accessibility- If you choose to have your ceremony in a different venue than your reception, for example at a place of worship, consider the distance between both locations. Is it easily accessible? How’s the traffic at different hours of the day? How will your out-of-town guests get to and from both venues? Also, keep in mind that you would want to take pictures between the ceremony and reception. Many venues have spaces on location which can be used.

6.     Stay True To Your Vision- I mentioned Pinterest and Instagram boards and stories a couple blog posts back. Pin some ideas of what you envision and choose a venue that fits that look whether it’s indoor or outdoor.

7.     Consider The Elements- I love an outdoor wedding, but us sweet Trinbagonians have to think about the weather. Wet and dry season is no joke. Having an outdoor wedding in the second half of the year is quite risky, however don’t be discouraged and always have a Plan B, C and maybe even D! Some venues that have both indoor and outdoor spaces will not hesitate to move your event from an outdoor space to an indoor space however, this is based on their availability. Many times, venues such as hotels may have more than one event on a certain date. Another option would be to have an event rental company on standby with a couple tents, it may not be ideal but at least you and your guests will be safe and dry!

8.     Don’t Limit Your Options- Ceremonies are not limited to places of worship. Many venues have more than one function space and can host both your ceremony and reception, whether you decide to host it in the same space or in different spaces.

 

FAQ’s- What should you ask your venue representatives?

 

Event Space

1.     Is a deposit required? Is there a payment plan?

2.     Availability and pricing. Is there a different cost for weekdays versus weekends?

3.     Are there different spaces for ceremony, cocktail hour, reception?

4.     Can a site visit be scheduled?

5.     Can I see photos from past weddings?

6.     What is included in the cost? Does this include service charge, gratuity, cleaning fees etc.? Are there any hidden costs?

7.     What’s your cancellation policy?

8.     What’s the maximum capacity? Research different seating styles and ask your venue representative. Is the space handicap accessible?

9.     Is there a Bridal suite?

10.  Is there a noise restriction?

11.  Is there a cut-off time?

12.  How many bathrooms are available? Should I have additional portable bathrooms?

13.  Is parking available and included? Is there a fee for parking? What is the cost, and can I cover the fee for my guests?

14.  Setup and Breakdown. Can my decorator have access to the event space the day before? If not, what time would we have access? Would the basic setup be ready for my decorators? What time do we need to breakdown? Will the venue staff assist?

15.  Do you have a recommended vendors list? This come in handy since your recommended vendors will already know the venue.

16.  Do we have to use your vendors? If not, are there any limitations (decorators contracts which outlines the do’s and don’ts)?

17.  Are open flames allowed?

18.  Does the venue have a sound system, or will my DJ need to provide his/her own?

19.  What happens if it rains? (applicable to outdoor venues)

20.  Will there be a venue representative available on the day of the event? Will they work with my planner?

21.  Is there a location on property or close by for pictures?

22.  Is the venue close to a hotel for out of town guests? Can you arrange transportation?

23.  If the venue is a hotel, are group rates available? Is a bridal suite included? Can I get a late checkout?

 

Food & Beverage

1.     Food & Beverage. Am I required to take F&B from the venue? Can I bring my own? Do you have a list of preferred caterers?

2.     Do you have a menu? Can it be changed based on religious restrictions and preferences?

3.     Will there be a tasting?

4.     Will servers be provided at the buffet? Is it self-service?

5.     Are there options for buffet or plated service?

6.     Can I provide my own alcohol? Is a corkage fee included?

7.     Will you provide bar service only?

8.     How soon do you require final numbers?

If you missed my live where we discussed this further, click below to rewatch.

LIVE WITH TAMARA- LET'S TALK WEDDING VENUES!

Stay tuned for a second post where we highlight some of our favorite venues!

With Love, 

Tulle and Tuxedo

Micro Wedding, Big Trend!

If it's one thing 2020 taught us, by force or not, it's the art of adaptation. We're no longer sitting on our couch, waiting for the day we hear "there are no more active Covid-19 cases". Because quite frankly, we'll probably be waiting for a long long time. Instead, we've learned to be grateful for what we have, we've learned to live in the present, to be mindful and to find new ways...to be married.

Trinidad & Tobago has done a commendable job of controlling the spread of Covid-19 in our beautiful twin island. YAY! Now, because of everyones diligence and effort the hospitality industry can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. Don't get me wrong, weddings aren't going to be what they used to, but to me that's even more exciting! Now we get the chance to redefine the industry and get a fresh start.

MICRO WEDDINGS... need I say more? 

Wedding Spot Blog refers to a micro wedding as any ceremony and/or reception with less than 50 total guests. Why sacrifice the chance to celebrate, when you can have a romantic and intimate affair with those nearest and dearest to you. If you're planning on your own, or hiring a planner, here are some Tulle and Tuxedo approved tips!

#1 Let your imagination run wild!

Trinbagonians are used to a big fat wedding, but sadly we're limited to smaller gatherings for the time being. Having a smaller event means that we have some wiggle room in our budgets where we can really create an experience like no other. 

#2 Be open minded to new venue options

Ballrooms are beautiful, but with your smaller guest list you have many more options when choosing your venue. Think outside the box. Choose a cute cafe, a small restaurant, a nearby park, or even your backyard. 

Picture this: An intimate ceremony at sunset followed by a candlelit dinner at the restaurant you and your partner had your first date. #chills

#3 Cover the basics

Focus your attention and budget on food, drinks and music. Your guests will remember how great your food was, how much the drinks were flowing, and how much fun they had at your wedding! I always say that a wedding is an experience like no other, and more focus should be placed on making your night one of the most memorable nights.

Pro tip: Get your guests involved. Have them request a song on their RSVP cards (or simply via a text). This way, when their favourite song plays its a special moment for you both.

#4 Hire a photographer and videographer

While you may not need an 8-hour photographer to follow your every move, you definitely want to capture all of the special moments. After all, this is a story for the grandkids!

#5 Make it meaningful

Love always wins. Getting married and celebrating your love for one another is not cancelled. Having a smaller guest list makes it even more special. Give your guest a hand written note or hand made gift to express your gratitude and love for their role in your special day. A smaller guest list means that you also can have some more time with your guests, share more laughs, more hugs (can we do this #covid-19?), and more special memories.

A micro wedding is surely a trend which will continue even after this pandemic has gone, it's a beautiful and memorable experience which leaves you more relaxed, saves you money and is easy to personalise. 

Let us know if you have any advice for our couples who are considering a micro wedding. Stay safe everyone!

With Love, 

Tulle and Tuxedo