11 Must-Read Gown Shopping Tips

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Study up on everything you need to know before you hit the stores.

Photo by JENNY HAAS PHOTOGRAPHY

Ready to shop for your gown? There are some things you should keep in mind when shopping for your wedding dress. Read The Knot's top tips before making your first dress shopping appointment.

1. Have a Price in Mind
Don't waste time trying on a bunch of gowns out of your price range. You're better off zeroing in on your price point so you can spend more time editing down the amazing options you can actually afford. Remember, your dress budget doesn’t just include the gown but also the cost of alterations, taxes and shipping fees—plus your veil, shoes, lingerie and jewelry, which can add up quickly. 

2. Start Early
You’ll need at least six to eight months to get your gown—and that's if you're really decisive. If you're a picky shopper or don't really know what you want, start looking 8 to 10 months before your wedding. Gowns that are customized can take six to eight months to create on average, and heavily embellished ones can take up to a year. Why so much time? A muslin version of a custom gown is created before the actual dress to guarantee a perfect fit. So give yourself a cushion—if you put dress shopping off for too long, your selection of dresses could be limited or you might make a quick decision you may regret later. Once you've found your gown, it will take at least eight weeks to make alterations.

3. Determine the Dress Code
You may need to consider religious restrictions when shopping for your gown. If your ceremony is in a house of worship, find out whether there are any attire guidelines you're required to follow, such as covering your shoulders or arms.

4. Figure Out What You Like
Take cues from your venue, the season and the time of day you're getting married to help narrow down your dress style. Rule out fabrics and silhouettes that won't work (for example, a bulky ball gown is probably not the best fit for a midday beach affair) and consider what styles will flatter your shape. 

5. Call in Advance
Just because a salon carries your favorite designer doesn't mean it'll have the exact dress you've been dying to try on. If you call beforehand and request a specific style, chances are the salon will be able to call in a sample of that gown especially for you. While you may get lucky and snag a salesperson just by walking in, scheduling an appointment guarantees you'll get a full hour of undivided attention. Plus, many salons require you to book an appointment in order to try on gowns, so you'll want to call ahead.

6. Let the Salon Make Recommendations
Don't eliminate anything at first glance. If the salesperson brings you something they say you should try, try it—even if you don't initially love it or think it's totally "you." It's possible to fall for a wedding gown you didn't think you'd like or want. Not every dress looks great on a hanger, so let go of any preconceived notions and keep an open mind.

7. Shop at the Right Time
Saturday afternoons are the most popular times to shop for a wedding dress, which actually makes them the worst. Instead, consider taking off a half day from work to shop on a random Tuesday or Wednesday morning when it’s likely to be less crowded. Not only does a calm store mean a more personalized shopping experience, consultants will also most likely be fresher earlier in the day and able to offer you more of their attention. If you're shopping a sample sale, do yourself a favor and skip the first day. Call ahead to ask how many days the sale will run, then go a little later in the week—don’t worry, there will still be plenty of inventory. Another shopping trick: Skip the entourage. It may be tempting to include all your friends in this experience, but too many people adds up to too many clashing opinions.

8. Buy a Dress That Fits Now
Even if you're planning on focusing on your health and fitness in a big way before your wedding, your body type isn't going to completely change. Besides, it's a lot easier (not to mention less expensive) to take a gown in than to try and make a too-small dress work.

9. Read the Fine Print
When you order your gown from a salon, it's important to triple-check the contract. Read it carefully, so you don't end up with the wrong size or color—and get the designer, style number, measurements, delivery date, price of the gown and number of fittings, as well as the deposit amount, all in writing.

10. Bring Your Accessories
While most salons will have shoes and a slip on hand for you to try on with your gown, you should still come prepared with a nude bra and underwear for the fittings.

11. Trust Your Instincts
If you have to be reassured the dress looks great on you, it's probably not the dress for you. If you can't see yourself walking down the aisle in it, move to the next gown. When you find the right dress, you'll know—you won't want to put on anything else.
by Lauren Greene

Striking Swarovski Crystal Back!

/ Mira Bridal Couture/

Our new chic fit-and-flare features a striking illusion open back accented in beaded lace motifs and Swarovski crystals. Delicate lace appliqués cascade over this Ferryn Satin wedding dress, accenting the V-neckline, illusion straps, and double-scalloped hem. Finished with covered buttons and zipper closure.

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We love this gown so much, we ordered sample sizes in size 10 and size 20. Ready to book your bridal appointment, call us today at 209-338-9333 or request a date and tome online by following this link.

White/Pewter Accent, Ivory/Pewter Accent, Antique Ivory/Pewter Accent   |   Available in Sizes 0-28

That Back Though!

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This alluring sheath features an illusion bodice adorned with beaded lace appliqués that create an illusion sweetheart neckline and accent the shoulders, long sleeves, and cuffs. A double-keyhole back evokes romance and intrigue, while a godet accented with lace appliqués adds volume to the elegant Yolivia crepe skirt. Finished with covered buttons and zipper closure.

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White, Ivory (pictured)

Available in Sizes 0-28

END OF THE LINE SALE

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END OF THE LINE SALE
MARKDOWNS UP TO 80% OFF
NEW GOWNS JUST ADDED, AS LOW AS $299

Just a sample of some of our incredible markdowns


Vaughn by Maggie Sottero
Originally $1,098
NOW $699

Jade by Maggie Sottero
Originally $1,598
NOW $699

Jahalia by Maggie Sottero
Originally $1,978
NOW $999

Seaton by Watters
Originally $2,600
NOW $499

D1865 by Essence of Australia
Originally $1,699
NOW $499

Florinda by Sottero Midgley
Originally $1,687
NOW $699

Kendra by Watters
Originally $1,320
NOW $499

Dawn by Watters
Originally $2,277
NOW $999

Nina by Watters/WTOO
Originally $1,605
NOW $699

Alanis by Maggie Sottero
Originally $1,249
NOW $499



Call us today book your appointment at 209-338-9333 or Follow this link to request an appointment date and time online
Get ready to say, "YES OR LESS"!
All sale merchandise is a final sale. First come first serve. Gowns vary in size and can be altered to fit.

Bridesmaids Under $200!

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Some of our favorite bridesmaids dresses and all $200 and under!


Floor length Chiffon

Halter-style Shealth

$200

Floor length Chiffon

Crisscross ruffle neckline

$200, Also available knee length

Floor length Chiffon

Cold-shoulder flutter sleeve

$195, Also available knee length

Knee length Chiffon

Cold-shoulder flutter sleeve

$195, Also available knee length

Floor length Chiffon

Halter neckline, keyhole back

$200, Also available knee length

Knee length Chiffon

Halter neckline, keyhole back

$200, Also available knee length

Knee length Bobbinet

Strapless A-line

$195, Also available knee length

Knee length Bobbinet

Halter-style maxi

$200

Floor length Chiffon Sheath

Fitted with wide waistband

$195, Also available knee length

Floor length Bobbinet

A-line criss cross V-neck

$200, Also available knee length

Floor length Bobbinet

Strapless A-line

$195, Also available knee length

Floor length Chiffon Sheath

Halter-style neckline, keyhole detail

$195

Floor length Fit-n-Flare

Rouched bodice

$195

Floor length Bobbinet

A-line

$195, Also available knee length

Bride Tribe!

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We invite you to bring a few members from your bridal party

to try on dresses  and join in the excitement of planning your wedding.  

 

Our appointments are one hour in length and you’ll have

the assistance of one of our experienced bridal consultants,

a problem-solving partner in planning your wedding.

Our store is a comfortable, stress-free zone, where you can

sit back, relax, and view lots of styles, fabrics, and fits that

will bring your wedding to life.

 

The majority of our designers specialize in custom orders

and have 3 to 6 month lead times.  

For this reason, we recommend ordering 4 – 7 months

in advance of your wedding date to allow time for alterations.

 

Book your bridal party appointment today!

Call us at 209-338-9333 or follow this link to book online.

We invite you to bring a few members from your bridal party

to try on dresses  and join in the excitement of planning your wedding.  

Our appointments are one hour in length and you’ll have

the assistance of one of our experienced bridal consultants,

a problem-solving partner in planning your wedding.

Our store is a comfortable, stress-free zone, where you can

sit back, relax, and view lots of styles, fabrics, and fits that

will bring your wedding to life.

The majority of our designers specialize in custom orders

and have 3 to 6 month lead times.  

For this reason, we recommend ordering 4 – 7 months

in advance of your wedding date to allow time for alterations.

Book your bridal party appointment today!

Call us at 209-338-9333 or follow this link to book online.

True romance in soft detail

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Philomena is the ultimate fairytale gown

with Natalia motifs place throughout layers

of light-as-air tulle and over the deep

plunging bodice. Pearl detail at the

slightly dropped waistline compliment

the edging of the sleeveless, low-backed bodice.

Photographed in: Nectar

Available in Ivory or Nectar linging

Silhouette: A-Line

Neckline: Straps/Sleeves, V-Neck

Available in sizes 00-15

$1829

Call to book your bridal appointment 209-338-9333 or follow this link to request a date and time online.

Asa by Willowby has arrived!

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Asa is the perfect marriage of tradition and evolution.

The softly shaped A-line skirt flows from a natural waist,

while the Moraea lace placed on illusion tulle gives the

feel of a very bare, nymphlike neckline.

Photographed in: Ivory lace, Sunkiss lining, Ivory illusion tulle.

Available sz. 00-15 $1519

Call us today to book your bridal appointment, 209-338-9333

or follow this link to request appointment date and time online.

 

She Said "YES"!

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Congratulations to Kodie! 

 

Kodie's appointment with our bridal consultant Cheryl was so much fun and found the perfect gown for her May 2018 wedding to Matthew. XOXO

And she wrote a wonderful Yelp review! Love our brides!

Thank you Kodie!

Are you ready for your bridal appointment at Mira Bridal Couture?  

Call us today at 209-338-9333 or follow this link to request your appointment date and time. 

 

What It’s Really Like to Shop for a Wedding Dress as a Size 14

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By Jennie Runk via Brides.com

Shopping for a wedding dress as a size 14 is no cakewalk. Just ask model and advocate Jennie Runk, who married the love of her life, Andria, in October 2016 while wearing a stunning figure-hugging gown. But finding that perfect wedding dress was no easy feat. Here, Jennie details her own less-than-perfect experience.

 

I’m one of the most confident people I know. But I haven’t always been confident in my own skin. Growing up, I was always taller and bigger than the girls (and most of the boys) my age. I’ve been fortunate that modeling for over the past 10 years has given me the opportunity to really accept my body for everything it is: big, curvy, and beautiful.

 

However, leaving my first wedding dress appointment—preparing for one of the happiest days of my life—I’ve almost never felt worse about my body.

 

Living in New York City, I expected to have seemingly unlimited options for a wedding dress. This is one of the fashion capitals of the world, right? But in going into the first bridal boutique, I was astounded to find that they had nothing that would fit me. At a size 14 (the average size of American women, by the way), I was unable to fit into the boutique’s sample sizes of 6 or 8. The saleswoman was very sweet and tried to be accommodating—putting me in bigger skirts and holding the top of a smaller dress up to my bust to get an idea for what a larger dress might look like—but ordering a dress you’ve never tried on before for one of the biggest days of your life was something I just wasn’t ready to do.

 

The second boutique I visited in New York was an even bigger disaster. I felt like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman. I told the saleswoman the vision I had for my dream dress and she looked me up and down and said, "We don’t have anything like that in your size." I was floored. So I walked right out of there, thinking to myself that she’d made a big mistake in not helping me.

 

Now, I’ve never been much of a shopper. Growing up, I was always more interested in the next Stephen King novel than going to the mall. But shopping for my wedding dress was different. I was looking forward to it! As a model, I’ve learned to be comfortable and confident in my own skin. I’m a proud plus-size woman with big, beautiful curves! But leaving two appointments not only without a gown, but without being able to try anything my size on, was completely defeating. I couldn’t imagine what plus-size women with lower self-esteem than mine were experiencing.

 

I was about to resign myself to ordering a gown from the first boutique. The saleswoman was very sweet, and I liked the idea of what the gown would look like. But, of course, I couldn’t try it on in my size until after it was purchased. I just didn’t want to shop anymore. Any fun that was supposed to come from wedding dress shopping had been sucked out by stores failing to carry a wider selection of sample sizes. It’s not like they weren’t available; the stores just didn’t carry them.

 

On a trip home to Missouri, my mom and sister convinced me to try shopping again. I was not interested in putting myself in a position to feel miserable about my body again, but still wasn’t happy with the options I’d found in NYC. I finally agreed to give St. Louis shopping a try.

 

To my delight, Maiden Voyage Bridal in Manchester, Missouri, was completely different. I described my dream dress to the saleswoman and she seemed to get it instantly. The onsite seamstress was able to open up any dress I wanted so I could actually try on the dresses to see what the final product would look like. To this day, I don’t understand why every store doesn’t do this. It seemed like just part of their process to take the sample dresses apart and then sew them back together. That’s what they’re there for, right?

 

With some slight tweaking and pulling together the right accessories, I fell in love with a gown and never wanted to take it off!

I’m thrilled with my wedding dress (and even spent much less money than I expected!), but getting there was such a discouraging process. The fashion industry has done such a great job of moving toward inclusivity for all sizes, but in my experience, much of the bridal industry hasn’t caught up yet. I wish designers included a larger range of sample sizes to send to bridal shops, which would have made my experience—and that of so many other women—much more positive. Just because you’re a size 14, or 22, or even a size 2, doesn’t mean that the experience of shopping for your wedding dress should be any less special than someone who fits into the sample sizes of 6 or 8.

 

My advice? Call the boutiques before venturing out to see if the stores have wedding dress options in your size. Someday soon, I hope to see every bridal boutique carry a wider range of sample sizes. But until then, set yourself up for success by just calling ahead.

 

Jennie Runk, an American model represented by New York’s JAG Models, has graced the cover of fashion magazines and starred in H&M summer swimwear campaign. Born in Georgia and raised in Missouri, Jennie was discovered in a Petsmart while volunteering for a cat adoption service. A proud (and recently married!) member of the LGBTQ community, Jennie is passionate about inclusion and empowerment for all people. Considered plus-size by the fashion industry, Jennie will be starring in the Straight/Curve documentary where she’ll share her compelling perspective on the future of her industry.

5 Things Bridal Salon Owners Want You to Know Before Your Appointment

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Please, please don't bring your morning latte into the salon.by Ivy Jacobson TheKnot.com There are things you need to know before going wedding dress shopping at your local bridal salon—like limit your entourage and always make an appointment—and then there are things that you may not be aware of that bridal shop owners really want you to know as well. Follow our guide to displaying the best etiquette before and during your bridal salon appointment.

1. Be respectful of your appointment time. Many bridal salons are by appointment only or have designated walk-in times for a reason. Your bridal consultant wants to be able to completely focus on finding the perfect dress for you, but if you're late to your appointment or are a no-call no-show, this can throw things off. You may get charged a fee for not showing up, or you may have to accept a shorter appointment window and reschedule for another since consultants don't want to then have another customer's appointment time delayed. If you know you can't make your appointment, be respectful to everyone's time and call as far in advance as you can and reschedule for the next best time. 2. The salon may not be able to serve you and your squad celebratory champagne. Although lots of bridal salons do offer a glass of bubbly for you and your entourage to celebrate choosing your dress, not every salon can pop a bottle. If the owner doesn't have a permit or license to serve it (it can vary based on the county and state laws) you may have to go to a restaurant to toast after.

3. Be respectful of the bridal salon's furniture. Bridal salons often have lots of sofas and chairs to make your entourage comfortable while you try on dresses. But many shop owners see friends and family members getting a little too comfortable and putting their feet on furniture or taking their shoes off if they're there for awhile. It's important for everyone to know that they're not in their own living room, as welcoming and gracious as the bridal salon is.

4. Don't bring in food or drinks that could damage the gowns or the salon's furniture. We definitely recommend making a fun day out of dress shopping with your friends or family members, like having lunch together after dress shopping. Just don't try to combine the two activities and bring any food or beverages into the shop. Even if you think a small bag of chips is innocuous enough, shop owners are concerned about greasy fingers touching and potentially damaging fabric. Iced or hot beverages in to-go cups could spill or leave rings on furniture in the salon. Bottled water is usually fine, but leave anything else to be eaten after shopping or outside.

5. Children should never be left unsupervised in the bridal salon. Kids are adorable—but if they're left unattended in a bridal salon, you may have a higher bill on your hands than you thought. Your bridal consultant doesn't double as a babysitter, so if you bring your child to your appointment, it could be a gamble unless you know for sure that they'll sit still and behave. In that case, it's best to bring along someone who can watch them. Otherwise, you and your consultant will be too busy to make sure your child is okay and behaving while left unsupervised—so if they end up adding a little color to a wedding dress with crayons, you'll likely be purchasing an extra dress. Some bridal salons are adults-only in the first place, and will say so on their website or tell you when you book your appointment.

Bridal SalonsWedding FashionWedding DressesDressesFashionWedding Ideas + Etiquette

Now Hiring!

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When a bride finds “THE ONE,” there are often cheers, tears and applause.  Mira Bridal Couture is more than a job.  We are in the business of making people happy.  We create exceptional memories for our clients every day!

Have you ever wanted to help make dreams come true. Well here’s your chance. Mira Bridal Couture is accepting applications for a team member to join our amazing staff of dedicated and enthusiastic sales consultants. Our goal is to make our brides dreams come true.  Join our Team!  Mira Bridal Couture is seeking team members to fill the following positions:

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Bridal Consultant:

Brides choose Mira Bridal Couture because of:

– The experience we create

– Our award winning customer service

– Our extensive selection

– Our charming atmosphere

Most brides learn about Mira Bridal Couture from friends, family, co-workers, and our previous brides.  This is because of the team members we select to join our family.  We hold our team members to the highest standards because our clients deserve the very best.  YOU are Mira Bridal Couture!

NOW HIRING!

We are currently interviewing Sales Professionals with open availability.

– Are you energetic and fun with a sense of humor?

– Do you naturally engage others in conversation?

– Do you adapt well to all personality types?

– Are you detail oriented?

Responsibilities include:

– Developing warm, trust based relationships with our clients

– Follow-up with clients and set appointments

– Lead clients through the decision making process and overcome objections

– Ensuring clients enjoy their MBC experience over all others by offering extraordinary customer service

– Participating in our weekly sales meeting focused on personal and professional growth

– Complete on-going sales training to keep skills fresh

Job Requirements:

– Previous high-end/luxury sales experience is preferred.

– Position is fast paced and consists of constant standing/walking and lifting up to 35 lbs.

– SATURDAYS ARE A MUST!!!!!

If you are the perfect candidate for our team, please email your resume to Mira@MiraBridal.com with the words “I love to sell” in the message section so I know you have read this posting and will take this opportunity seriously.  Remember – this position requires OPEN AVAILABILITY to work any and all hours needed. We contact job applicants via email, so please watch your inbox!

We look forward to meeting you soon, and hopefully, you are the next to join #teammirabridal!

If you are interested in joining our team of consultants, please email your resume to mira@mirabridal.com.

 

Mother of the Bride Writes Offensive Letter About Daughter's Maid of Honor

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Mother of the Bride Writes Offensive Letter About Daughter's Maid of Honor By Evelyn Wang via Brides Magazine Published on September 11, 2017 Please never do this.

Weddings have been known to compel even the sweetest, cuddliest people to say some pretty questionable things, but what one mom wrote about her daughter's maid of honor is completely unforgivable. In a Dear Prudence column from last week, the mother of a bride wrote in with a question that had us super worried for the well-being of Twitter user Nicole Cliffe, who prefaced it with, "I am no longer of this earth. This letter has killed me." The supremely unclassy and deeply (deeply!) offensive letter started off fine, and then quickly swerved into the territory of Momzilla-levels unheard of:

Luckily, Slate agony aunt Mallory Ortberg was quick to shut it down, being high in hilarity and low in B.S.-tolerance: A: I am having a hard time wrapping my mind around this letter. I encourage you to reread it and to ask yourself that time-honored question, “Do I sound like a villain in a Reese Witherspoon movie?” You are, presumably, sympathetic to your own situation and are invested in making sure that you come across as reasonable and as caring as possible, and yet you have written a letter indicting yourself at every turn. This girl is “like a daughter” to you, and yet you want to shove her to the side of your other daughter’s wedding just because she walks with a limp. Your daughter’s wedding will be perfect with Katie as a full and honored member of the bridal party. A limp is not a fly in the ointment; it’s a part of Katie’s life. It is not only wrong to have asked your daughter to consider excluding her best friend over this—it is ableist, and cruel, and it speaks to a massive failure of empathy, compassion, and grace on your part. You must and should apologize to your daughter immediately, and I encourage you to profoundly reconsider the orientation of your heart. We don't blame her daughter for wanting nothing to do with her mum. Of course, the letter's ridiculousness sent several Twitter users into a spiral of rage and confusion.

Read more here http://www.brides.com/story/mother-of-the-bride-offensive-letter-maid-of-honor?mbid=social_facebook

 

 

$25 Off Bridesmaids!

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Yay! It's happening again!

$25 off bridesmaids for the month of September.*

Book your appointment today to come in and see some of our newest arrivals. Sequin, chiffon, tulle, and more. Shades of blues, pink, reds, and beige are hot, hot, hot!

Call us today 209-338-9333 or follow this link to book your appointment.

*$25 off promotion good September 1-31, 2017. Not valid on previously purchased or ordered merchandise. 60% deposit must be placed before discount is applied. See store for details. 

Take an extra 1/2 off sale event!

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THIS PROMOTION HAS BEEN EXTENDED!

DON"T MISS OUT!

Our sale is already drastically marked down,

and now you have a chance

to take an extra 1/2 off the already marked down sale price!

Call us 209.338.9333 or follow this link to book your appointment today!

All gowns are marked to their current sale price. Extra 1/2 off will be taken at the register from the marked down price. No cash value. Not valid towards previously purchased or ordered merchandise. No refunds.