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Tips
Your Rights
When deciding where to buy your gown look to see if the manufacturer tags and style information is still attached to the dress. Many stores illegally remove this consumer information to make it difficult for you to comparison shop or even know the designer you are buying. If they are making things difficult for you before you have bought the dress, what are they capable of once they have your money?
The Pressure Sale
Be careful of the high-pressure sale. Many boutiques will try to pressure you into purchasing one of their headpieces because they make a hefty mark-up of up to 500% on these mass produced pieces. If you hear the words "this headpiece goes with your dress" you are in the midst of a sales pitch. Most bridal gown designers do not design their own headpieces. When choosing a headpiece it is more desirable to find something that compliments certain design elements in your dress. "Matching" is not necessarily the way to go.
Swatches
If you are considering buying a custom headpiece, before you give your dress boutique a deposit make sure you have a promise in writing that you will receive a swatch of your gown fabric. Designers will supply a swatch to the boutique upon "their" request, not yours. It usually takes only a week or two. This will enable you to match your headpiece and veil specifically to your gown fabric. Waiting until your second fitting to receive a clipping will be "cutting it too close" to have something custom designed. If you suggest that you are having a custom headpiece designed, the boutiques are often very reluctant to help you with a swatch especially after you have signed on the dotted line. If they won't get you a swatch---don't sign! Check with the manufacturer and find another store that will.
Quality
Look closely at any headpiece you consider buying. You can tell its quality by not only looking at the outside of the headpiece but its underside. Think about how it will attach to your head. The comb should be securely fastened and extra hairpin loops should be supplied for stability. Take notice of the drape, shape, fullness and color of the veiling. Note if the tiers of illusion have been stacked and machine gathered with one line of stitching. Each layer being gathered separately by hand distinguishes a quality veil.
Choosing Your Headpiece & Veil
When shopping for a headpiece and veil try to wear a camisole or tank top, in white or diamond white, that resembles the neckline on your wedding dress. This should make visualizing the entire look easier.
Trends
Color
We have been designing with color for quite a few years. A hint of color in the headpiece can compliment your bouquet or bring out color detailing in your dress. Some of the most beautiful wedding ensembles I have seen have been with contrasting veils. In particular, one bride is wearing an embroidered square edge two tier cathedral veil in rum pink to compliment the subtle rum pink embroidery on her square ivory train. Exquisite!
Veil Lengths
Although veil length is a matter of personal preference, your gown silhouette should be a consideration when choosing a veil style. Many brides today are choosing a sleeker look with less volume. Long veils are in. Try a single tier cathedral length for a romantic but sexy look. Today's brides are keeping their long tier on through the cocktail hour into their first dance to enjoy its elegance and beauty.

The most common mistake I see a bride make is buying a short elbow length veil "because the back of the dress is so beautiful". Of course it is, a wedding dress is supposed to be beautiful. When you start to think these thoughts remember to keep in mind the "whole picture". The veil should be proportionally correct to the silhouette and volume of your dress. A longer veil will elongate and accentuate a beautifully detailed train. It will also pull away from the dress when you walk. Short veils will simple hang against your back possibly covering up intricate details.

Veil Fabrics
While a well made domestic veil adds traditional subtle beauty to a wedding ensemble, it does not compare to the sheerness and stunning effect of an English net veil. Because of its hexagonal holes this netting has a more bodied hand and a different drape than that of the nylon illusion available in the States. English net accepts beautiful embroideries resulting in shaped edges such as scallops and points, which is not common in domestic finishes. Hand sewn Austrian crystal drops make these veils the 'crème de la crème'.

If you are a bride who is looking for something different try an embroidered single tier silk organza veil or a two tier scalloped veil made of Belgian cotton.

Headpieces
Half rounds and three quarter rounds are presently the best selling style. The versatility of these shapes allows the hair stylist to have the freedom to create any look without the restriction of a closed back or fixed circumference. A veil can attach directly to the piece for a more traditional look or the veil can be worn separately from behind. These headpieces can be designed of delicate fabrics and beading, hand wired pearls and crystals, or the stones can be handset similar to the tiara look. Up and coming, are headpieces designed of hand strung drapings of crystals, beads, and pearls. These pieces are 'haute' and inspired by the beauty of Egyptian queens.
Recommended services in NY/NJ area
If you are looking for one of the most creative floral designers around you must meet Debbie and her staff. I recommend Debbie strongly because in addition to her unbelievable artistry, her business is based on pleasing the customer. She will work within your budget and come up with the most incredible creations that you can imagine.

Debbie's Designs
1133 Route 23 South
Wayne, NJ 07470
973-696-7930
Contact: Debbie Filippelli


Sweet Sisters cakes and pastries are captivating to look at and taste deliciously fresh. Owner and pastry chef, Beth Karam-Putt, provides extremely personal service and unbelievable artistry with enthusiasm. Sweet Sisters has been featured in NJ Bride and seen on NJ Network News.

Sweet Sisters, Inc.
344 Union Boulevard
Totowa, NJ 07512
973-389-0808
Contact:Beth Karam-Putt


If you are in need of a hair designer you must meet Kim Farnese from Panico Salon. She is an up-do specialist and a master at what she does. Kim competes internationally and consistently updates her knowledge in her field by attending major national conferences and seminars.

Panico Salon
114 East Ridgewood Ave.
Ridgewood, NJ 07405
201-652-4515
Contact:Kim Farnese


I met Kim Bollo as a client in our showroom. Shortly thereafter I found out about her talent as a make-up artist. Years ago when I worked in the apparel industry, I had the opportunity to meet and work with many make-up artists when on commercial and packaging shoots. I can assure you there is no other like Kim. She loves what she does and makes every bride look naturally beautiful. Her ten-year's experience with brides and production work account for her phenomenal expertise in her art field.

Bollo Salon
446 Rote 202
Red Barn Plaza
Towaco, NJ 07082
973-402-3900
Contact:Kim Bollo


Stop in the Invitation Studio in Wayne, NJ and see invitations like you’ve never seen before. Their custom designed invitations feature crafts like flower painting and hand calligraphy. Invitations are made from over 125 different specialty papers and many are hand cut and hand assembled. Artist Tom, and his staff, will design something from his imagination or yours.

The Invitation Studio
577 Newark Pompton Tpk
Wayne, NJ 07470
973-694-4278
Contact: Tom Shaheen



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