Preloved Panache Blog

Vegan Wedding Gowns

06/22/2011 19:28:00

Hi :)

Flicking through some of my bridal magazines as I often like to do, I came across the subject of vegan weddings.

I'm not a vegan nor vegetarian myself so I thought this subject was interesting when it comes to my line of work (if you want to call playing dress ups with the nicest people I've ever met work!) because after I thought about it, I have both vegan and non vegan gowns in my collection.

I'm a big fan of recycling - everything! I get so heart broken when I know that silk gowns have been thrown out because it was made of silk. Is it not better to reuse the materials that have already been crafted into a very useful and beautiful garment? I think so but I'm not a vegan so I am open to debate on what the vegan community thinks of silk, chiffon, taffeta, leather, wool, pearls and feathers that is already in use.

I look foward to hearing what you have to say!

Jenni

3 Reasons to consider a dress trashing

04/16/2011 16:29:00

There are many reasons why a couple might consider having a dress trashing and you may want to consider the option for your special occasion.

Some of the reasons I've come across so far are:

1. The day of the wedding, it rained and the couple were unable to get a lot of the outdoor shots that they wanted to have taken

Inclement weather - who can predict it! With the wedding day is all done you will be a lot more relaxed because the pressure is off. You can take this opportunity to get the bridal party together again and have some great shots taken.

2. The couple wanted the classic photos for the parents but they didn't want the cookie cutter wedding images to dominate their album

The classic shots are great but you might want to show the future generations that you had some fun! Let's face it; the dress is only going to sit in the bottom of the wardrobe for the next couple of decades so instead of getting moth eaten and mouldy, give it the exit party it deserves!

3. You want fun shots taken for your wedding invitations

Ok, so you don't actually use THE dress for this exercise! You buy a preloved gown and the groom can wear suit pants and a ruffled shirt from the local op shop for the occasion. Ask the photographer if they can do a package deal for the invitations, the wedding and a dress trashing after the big day! It's also a great way to find out what gown styles you might like when it comes time to finding the one!

Do you know someone that has had a dress trashing? Let us know what their story was!

5 things to consider when looking for your gown

03/28/2011 19:52:00

Along my journey in helping lovely ladies just like yourself, I've notice some funny little trends and I'd like to help you with some information that can help with your gown search:

1. YOU will be the centre of attention on the day - let it be and enjoy!

2. Check out your wardrobe and see if you can notice a common style with your tops and dresses. If you know something looks good on you, whether it be halterneck or boat neck for example, this maybe a good place to start with your gown style.

3. Your dress should be an elegant and individual version of you and your style.

4. You're suppose to look a little bit fabulous on your special day so don't be afraid to try on the many different gowns that are available to you and have fun with it!

5. Bridal wear is not something we get to wear everyday so enjoy the experience of being part of the beautiful vision that you are creating and be proud of your efforts!

All the best and let me know if you need help :)

Sincerely,

Jenni

Like movies? Stuck for a theme for your wedding? Check out this idea!

02/27/2011 12:32:00

If you and your other half love going to the movies and you are the kind of couple that use lines from movies in your everyday conversations then this idea might just be for you!

I like to listen to music while I work so while I'm steaming some of my gowns I've put on 'The best ever Wedding Music Collection' that I picked up from an ABC store - one of the three CD's has orchestral music from the movies and I'm having these great ideas running through my head!

Funny how music can do that! What ideas I hear you ask?

Ok, picture this...

Idea 1 - The Red Carpet theme

The Bride is dressed up to the nine's in show stopper! It could be a dress like No 123, 117, 95 or vintage Hollywood style with No 44
Everyone is dressed up like it's the Oscars
Tables are set up like the Oscars with a bankers lamps or single candle in the centre
Tables are named after movies awards eg: The Oscars, The Logies, The Academy Awards, The AFI's, The BAFTA's or the names of actors and actresses that have won an Oscar award

All the music for the ceremony and the formalities of the reception is orchestral versions of songs from the movies eg:

The bride walks down the aisle on the red carpet to 'Take my breath away' from Top Gun or 'Love is all around' from Four Weddings and a Funeral

Sign the register to 'Up where we belong' from An officer and a Gentleman
Sachet away to 'The way you look tonight' from the Frank Sinatra Movie Swing Time for the first dance under a spot light....ahhhhhhh...!!! A nice touch would be to have some professional dance lessons and keep it a secret from your guests then watch their faces as you WOW them with your moves on the floor!

Idea 2 - Your favourite movie together

Say it's Pride and Prejudice (Yes, one of my customers was lucky enough to snag a lovely fellow who LOVES this movie!)

Wear a dress from the era of the movie like No 1 or 37 which are both raw silk or the empire line style like No 96, 121 or126
Choose a setting like an English garden or a grand castle or stone hall venue
Dance like they did back in the day
Find music from this era or have the music live like they did back then and hire a band that plays the kind of music you need

Now imagine the above points for the movie The Wedding Singer...hilarious!!

Oh my goodness - you could have so much fun picking an 80's era dress! *GASP* think Lady Di in her gorgeous silk gown and those ruffles and huge puff sleeves or something like my No 20 dress that is just dripping in pearls!
Music from the 80's like White Wedding by Billy Idol, True by Spandal Ballet
You could do this kind of theme almost anywhere!

Well there - I hope that got your creative juices flowing - just put on your favourite movie soundtrack and let you imagination do the rest - just make sure you have a note pad and pen handy to jot down the ideas as they come flooding in!

If you ever need any inspiration - call me - I'm happy to toss around ideas with you!

All the best :D

What colour will you wear on your big day?

11/09/2010 12:22:00

If this is not your first time around then this piece will appeal to you!

I had a major dilemma when I married this year when it came to choosing a dress for my big day.

It was not my first marriage so my first thoughts were directed at maybe a cocktail dress or a short version of a wedding dress because we were having a cocktail reception.

I even bought a white and purple dress from Diana Ferrari - shoes, bag and all! I figured I could use it again for Melbourne Cup day! Typical mother thinking...!

I looked at normal wedding dresses and I bought a few dresses online but was terribly disappointed when the dresses didn't fit or the style of the ivory or white dress didn't suit me. I was starting to think that the option of a white wedding dress was out of the question. I had two grown up daughters, had been married before but I felt that a coloured evening dress would look bridesmaidie (if there is such a word!)

And then my Mum said something that totally changed my whole outlook on my wedding. She said, "This is a new beginning, of course you can wear white!"

Well, didn't that open the flood gates! Not only for my wedding but also the birth of Preloved Panache.

My best friend ended up wearing the Diana Ferarri dress and I wore white and felt great!

Are you having this same dilemma? Let us know what you're thinking :)

Hundreds of brides are left in the lurch

10/31/2010 20:11:00

Hi all,

I hope you had a great weekend.

I read the following article in the paper today:

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/sunday-telegraph/hundreds-of-brides-are-left-in-the-lurch/story-e6frewt0-1225945578589

It so disheartening to read stories like this but very happy with the attitude of the new owner Mr Ostad of Bridal Vision! He's not legally bound to refund these stranded ladies but it seems that he's doing all he can for the many customers affected by the closure.

Has this situation ever happened to you? Tell us your story!

Wedding Dresses Distress

10/10/2010 18:16:00

Hi All,

I hope you've had a great weekend.

Today’s subject is taken from an article I read in last Thursdays Daily Telegraph (07/10/10). It was about a Bride who had purchased her bridesmaids dresses and her wedding gown from China on a well-known auction site, all for a low $590.

Unfortunately, when the dresses finally arrived they weren't anything like what was ordered. I can imagine the frustration and disappointment that she must have felt, not to mention the added hassle of having to find replacements and the extra cash to cover it.

Does anyone know of anyone who has used this avenue for their wedding and what results were? Good or bad - let us know!

Are you ready to look for The One?!! 3 secrets in getting the most from your Wedding Dress search

09/25/2010 14:56:00

So you're ready to go out and look for The One!

Make the most of your time and effort by doing a little preparation before you head out on your search with these simple tips:

1. For the optimum effect, wear underwear that you would wear under an evening dress or that you might wear under your dress on the day. Step-ins/body shapers allow clingy fabrics to glide over your silhouette and provide a nice line.

2. A strapless bra works well for trying on all styles - no need for poking the bra straps somewhere for off the shoulder or strapless gowns!

3. Lightly moisturise your body before headng out. This will stop the annoying possiblility of the dress material sticking to your skin caused by static electricity.

Do you have a tip to share? Save a brides sanity and add it here!

Jenni

5 ways to personalise a plain strapless dress.

09/12/2010 17:53:00

Hi all,

Strapless dresses are very poplular but are you thinking that you'd like to do something a little different to personalise your look on your big day?

I'm having a read of the latest Cosmopolitan Bride, one of my favorite mags for inspirational ideas, and there are some great ideas for changing the look of a plain strapless dress with the creative use of different fabrics and embellishments!

1. Straps - Adding ruffled or floral tulle straps to a strapless dress (inspiration from pg 12 contents page). A different spin on this idea would be to add just one strap and attach a big flower in the colour of your theme or in the same hue as your dress (see page 153 for inspiration). I love the beautiful red dress on page 187. The single strap on her left shoulder in her theme colours is carried down the right to a rosette on the hip which balances the dress nicely.

2. Embellish the bodice of an otherwise plain dress with bows, gems, lace, whatever takes your fancy! Dress number 88 in my collection would be perfect for this idea. Even a simple brooch on the hip can make a big difference.

3. Add a decorative sash, for example, Princess Allure have just added to their range these gorgeous sashes which look stunning against a white dress!

4. Capped sleeves - With the help of a good dressmaker, or you may even want to tackle this one yourself if you're one of those blessed with creative sewing skills, you may be able to add lacey cap sleeves to a strapless dress (Page 61 for inspiration).

5. Bolero jacket or faux fur shrug - this may even be feather or luxurious lace - perfect if you like to have your arms covered or if you're marrying in the cooler months.

Let me know what you think of these ideas and feel free to share your ideas with other brides!

Jen

Welcome to my Blog!

09/08/2010 19:58:00

Hi all, welcome to my new blog!

Please use this blog to ask questions and get ideas to help you plan one of the biggest days of your life!

To start, I'd like to know what you think about preloved bridal wear - I took this option so I could spend more of my wedding budget on the honeymoon (see pic) the best $120 I ever spent!

What reasons got you inspired to think about at this option?