Minimalist Wedding Dresses

This season’s hottest trend is sleek, minimalist wedding dresses! Clean lines, gorgeous fabrics, and classic silhouettes create simple, yet bold bridal looks. Brides are sure to stun at their wedding in these striking gowns. Here are a few of our favorites!

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This classic ballgown silhouette wedding dress by Martina Liana hearkens a sense of subtle grandeur with laid back elegance. The sheer low V back adds a touch of sexy and the detachable silk bow and streamers add a pop of modern texture with a playful twist.

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The fashion statement of the season, this Martina Liana wedding gown brings an edgy twist to minimalist design. The sheer back panel features visible boning in a flattering curve and the signature seaming highlights the silhouette of the body.

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Even boho brides can rock a simple wedding gown! This All Who Wander wedding dress of matte crepe is fresh and laid back, but a little flirty with its ruffle detail over the bust. Wear it simply or make it even more boho with fun, artsy accessories!

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Chic crepe meets organic lace in this sultry sheath wedding dress by Essense of Australia. The open back is accented by beaded floating straps and the fabric buttons flow all the way down the back of the gown into the sheer floral train.

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This high neck wedding dress by Randy Fenoli puts a dramatic, glamorous twist on crepe minimalism. Sleek and sexy with a sheer back detailed with sparkling crystals, this dress is eye-catching and unique!

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This classic, princess wedding dress by Aire Atelier has a daring, deep plunge neckline accented by beaded lace. Clean lines, a full skirt, and pleating at the waistline make this elegant gown feel classic and modern all at once.

We love how versatile and different all of these classic, minimalist wedding dresses are from each other. Whether you plan on a casual beach wedding, upscale museum wedding, romantic garden wedding, or anything in between, there’s sure to be a simple, elegant wedding dress that is perfect for your vision. We can’t wait to help you find your dream wedding dress here at Bella Bridal Gallery, so be sure to book your appointment soon! You can book at bellabridal.com or by calling us at 248-539-9800. ❤

Wedding Dress Trunk Shows: What You Need To Know

You hear designers and local bridal salons talking about trunk shows all the time, but what exactly are they? The term ‘trunk show’ originated when the designers used to send large trunks filled with wedding dresses to bridal salons to be shown and purchased.

When you make your appointment to attend a trunk show event, what you will find is the ultimate personal bridal shopping experience. Appointments are required for trunk show events. You will have a personal bridal consultant who will help your choose wedding gowns and help you try them on. Your consultant can give you important information about current styles and trends, dress fit and construction, and can help you find your dream wedding dress.

Trunk shows are where designers showcase wedding dresses from their newest collections by sending them to bridal salons to be featured for one weekend only. The dresses are not normally carried in the salon are are available to be viewed, tried on and purchased before they are shipped back to the designer company. At selected events, the designer or a designer representative will attend the trunk show to answer and questions that brides might have about the details of a gown and inspirations behind wedding dress designs.

There is no better way to find your dream dress than at a trunk show. Trunk show wedding dresses feature the latest bridal trends and are often offered with promotional pricing. These are exclusive events that are only held by authorized retailers. Because the events are so popular, it is best to book your appointment far in advance, as they do tend to fill up quickly and there may not be another one for months away. Remember, most special order wedding dresses take approximately six months to arrive, so waiting even a month to shop for your wedding gown could drastically impact your delivery date.

Many trunk show dresses are exclusives, and may not be available after the event ends. This means that when you go to a trunk show, you should make sure that your bring your closest family and friends with you who you want to be around when you purchase your dress, because chances are you will fall in love with the dress of your dreams, and you want to be able to say ‘yes’ before it leaves. See what trunk shows are coming your way by visiting our website bellabridal.com to check our trunk show schedule, and book your appointment now! We look forward to giving you the best wedding dress shopping experience and helping you find the wedding dress of your dreams!

Aire Barcelona 2019 Wedding Dress Collection

We’re excited to introduce the newest collection from Aire Barcelona by Rosa Clara, exclusively in Michigan at Bella Bridal Gallery! This new collection takes the ultra romantic style we love from the Aire Barcelona line to the next level.

Delicate lace sleeves and flowing bows add a touch of femininity to these classic looks.

The new collection offers unique designs in a variety of styles for brides to really choose gowns that are not only beautiful, but self expressive.

Vibrant, flowing skirts create an ethereal vibe that is whimsical and soft.

Layers of volume are fun and playful.

Delicate necklines pair with figure flattering designs to enhance your silhouette .

Polished bodices give off an air of sophistication with a sensual twist.

Be the first to experience the beauty of this collection and find your dream wedding dress during the Aire Barcelona 2019 Collection Trunk Show, December 14th and 15th! We look forward to helping you fall in love with the wedding dress of your dreams!

Why Wedding Dress Shopping Is Better At Your Local Bridal Salon

With new websites emerging every day that claim to offer the latest wedding dress trends at too good to be true prices, it can be tempting to order your wedding gown on line in hopes of saving yourself some money. We get it, weddings are expensive, but what you save monetarily could be costing you big bucks in other areas. With more and more last minute brides coming in to buy wedding gowns because something went wrong with the dress they purchased online, we are here to tell you why you should purchase your wedding gown from a local bridal salon.

1. YOU DON’T HAVE TO GO THROUGH THE PROCESS ALONE

When you purchase your wedding gown from Bella Bridal Gallery, you will be helped by your own personal Bridal Consultant. Your consultant is here to help you! She will ask you about your wedding day and your personal style, and from there, she will help you choose dresses that will complement you and help you find a dress that you will love. She will provide you with professional measurements, assist throughout the alteration process, and and be here to help you from the moment you try on dresses until you take the dress from our store to get married. We will also steam and store your wedding gown for you so that you do not have to worry about it getting damaged before you are ready to walk down the isle.

2. PREMIUM WEDDING DRESS SELECTION

At Bella Bridal Gallery, we provide our brides with a premium selection of wedding dresses from world renowned designers. You will be able to look at and try on a variety of the latest bridal fashions in an array of different fabrics and colors until you find what suits you best.

3. PEACE OF MIND

When you order your gown through a reputable bridal salon, you have the peace of mind that you are actually receiving a quality designer wedding dress instead of a counterfeit gown. These counterfeit dresses are typically made of cheap fabrics, poorly constructed, and don’t fit well. When it comes to wedding dresses, you get what you pay for.

4. WE WILL HELP YOU MAKE THE DRESS YOUR OWN

Some designers allow custom changes to their wedding gowns, and will work closely with your bridal consultant to make sure you get your dream dress. If the designer you order from does not make custom changes, once your dress arrives to Bella Bridal Gallery, you can work with our profession alteration team to bring your vision to life by adding straps, sleeves, or lowering the back of your wedding dress.

5. SPECIAL PRICING

We understand that price is always a consideration, but by shopping at trunk shows or sample sales you can receive promotional pricing on on quality, designer wedding dresses. Say YES to the dress for less by booking your try on appointment at one of these special events.

6. SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

It can feel good to support your local community by supporting small, family owned businesses. These businesses usually offer more personal service and attention than a larger chain or online retailer.

7. YOU GET TO ‘SAY YES TO THE DRESS!’ 

Purchasing your wedding gown from a local bridal shop, surrounded by your loved ones really gives you the chance to envision  yourself as a bride on your wedding day. It is almost impossible to decide on a dress without having it on your body because this purchase is not only about how the dress looks, but how you FEEL in the dress. Allow yourself this moment to really imagine yourself walking down the isle and feel like a bride when you say YES to your dream wedding dress!

Wedding Dress Planning Timeline

Congratulations! You just got engaged, you’ve nailed down your date, secured your venue, and now you are wondering just how soon you should go wedding dress shopping. It is always a good idea to give yourself as much time as possible before your wedding day when ordering your wedding dress. Whether that’s six months, one year, or more, earlier is always better when it comes to ordering a wedding gown if for no other reason than your own peace of mind.

Once you get engaged, start shopping as soon as you can, but be ready to buy once you find the dress that you love. Some dresses are only offered during trunk show events, or may be discontinued in the near future, and you would not want to miss out on your dream dress because you waited too long to order it.

Couture wedding dresses can take up to six to eight months to arrive from the designer company. If your wedding is sooner than that and you are hoping to special order your wedding gown, ask  your consultant what your options are and if rush ordering your wedding dress will be required. If you are buying your wedding gown off-the-rack, try to schedule a few months, if possible, for your alterations to be completed. At Bella Bridal Gallery, we offer in house alterations, which gives our brides more flexibility in their alteration timeline.

Ideally, 18-12 months before your wedding date you should be researching different styles that you like. Consider your venue and what you think you will be comfortable in on that day. Think about what speaks to your personal style. Are you a glam bride or a boho bride? Is your wedding in a cathedral or on the beach? All of these things can help you narrow down your style and give you an idea about what kind of dress you will be looking for. Search Pinterest and bridal magazines for inspiration that may be helpful to you and your bridal consultant once you start shopping.

12 months before your wedding date, you should start making your try on appointments. Start with one appointment at a time. Going to multiple appointments in one day can be overwhelming and confusing for brides. If you do not find the dress of your dreams at your first appointment, schedule another one for another day.  Bringing more than three people with you to your appointment can be discouraging for brides because too many opinions will sometimes make it harder for you to remember what you truly want. It is important to keep an open mind, but to also stay true to yourself.

Once you find your dress don’t be afraid to say YES! It is a wonderful thing to find a dress that you love, and with the help from the right consultant, it should be a fun and easy process. Do not feel like you must keep shopping just because it is fun for your group. Include them in bridesmaid shopping, looking for accessories, and at your fitting appointments. Remember, the more dresses you try on, the more confusing it tends to be.

After you have found your dream wedding dress, start looking for your shoes. You will need them before you can start the alterations process. You will typically have three fittings, with the last one being just before your wedding day to make sure that everything is perfect. At Bella Bridal Gallery, once you have purchased your wedding dress with us, we will send you an invitation to shop for your accessories, such as your headpiece and veil, as well as your bridesmaid dresses with us. Bridesmaid dresses can take up to 4 months arrive, so it is a good idea to shop fro them about 8 months before your wedding.

After your wedding, Bella Bridal Gallery offers professional cleaning and preservation services. If you choose to have your wedding dress cleaned and preserved, it will be expertly cleaned, thoroughly inspected, moisture and oxygen controlled, acid neutralized, and sealed in a package with a window so that you can still see your beautiful dress without any worry that it will be damaged.

5 Things To Do The Night Before Your Wedding

1. GET TIPS READY FOR ANY VENDORS

Place someone in charge of handing out tips to any vendors the day of your wedding. The last thing that you need to worry about on your wedding day is making sure you have money available and rummaging through your purse. Separate out tips for each person and label them in separate envelopes. Then put someone in charge, like your parents or maid of honor, to hand them out at the end of the night.

2. PACK YOUR CAR

Gather anything that you will need the day of your wedding and the day after and pack everything away in your car. Whatever you need for getting ready in the morning, bridal party gifts, accessories, phone chargers, and anything you may need for your honeymoon if your are leaving right away should all be packed the night before. This will save you the stress from worrying about forgetting anything, and all you have to do the morning of  your wedding is focus on getting married and enjoying your day.

3. YOUR REGULAR SKINCARE ROUTINE

The night before your wedding is NOT the time to add anything new to your routine. You never know how your skin will react to a new product, and it’s best to play it safe and stick with things that your normally use and that you know will work for you.

4. WRITE YOUR THANK YOU NOTES

Take this time to send a little appreciation to all of the people who have helped you along the wedding planning process. A hand written note to parents, in-laws, your maid of honor and even your partner will make them feel special and show how grateful you are for these special people in your life. This is also a good time to go over your vows one last time if you are writing your own.

5. REST

It can be hard to be relaxed and get some rest the night before your wedding, but try your best. Your wedding day will be a long one, and it will go by fast. This is not the night to be up late drinking with friends. You want to make sure you are well rested, focused, and ready to go for your special day. Enjoy it!

Essense of Australia Fall 2018 Wedding Dress Collection

The newest collection from Essense of Australia is filled with stunning silhouettes, breathtaking details, and incredible designs.

While bohemian wedding dresses have always been a part of the Essense of Australia aesthetic, this newest collection kicks it up a notch. Find whimsical, botanical inspired lace paired with asymmetrical necklines and ornate trains to create truly magical wedding gowns.

These wedding dresses feel truly one of a kind, with unique detailing in multiple layers of fabric and beading. Architectural elements come together with soft, floral lace to create never before seen designs.

Sleeves will continue to be trend from this designer, with long illusion lace sleeves for traditional brides, or draped off the shoulder sleeves for modern, fashion-forward brides.

Martina Liana’s Fall 2018 Wedding Dress Collection

This new collection from world renowned Australian designer, Martina Liana is full of classic romance. This collection was “inspired by feminine details and breathtaking moments” that you can find in the details of her beautifully crafted wedding dresses. The hand crafted details of these ultra romantic wedding gowns also have a hint of unexpected sexiness, making a Martina Liana gown the perfect choice for classic brides seeking a modern twist.

Sheer elements can be found throughout these newest designs in the form of sheer bodices, long lace sleeves, and illusion tulle necklines. These features add a softness and femininity to her wedding gowns while still being elegant and sexy.

3-D flowers made of layers of laser cut luxurious fabrics add romance and whimsy so classic designs. You can find them densely placed over botanical lace, making these wedding dresses perfect for a garden wedding or an elegant affair.

Your Most Common Alteration Questions, Answered!

You said yes to the dress, your special ordered designer wedding dress has arrived to our store, and now it’s time to start thinking about alterations. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about the alteration process to put you at ease and make the process as seamless as possible.

1. HOW LONG DOES MY WEDDING DRESS TAKE TO ALTER?

Alterations typically start on average two to three months before the wedding day. Depending on the design of the gown and the extent of the alteration, it may take more or less time for your dress to be altered. Bella Bridal Gallery offers in-house alterations, so we can work with you one on one to discuss the schedule for your specific dress, and if you are an out of town bride, we can coordinate your fittings around your schedule.

2. HOW MANY FITTINGS WILL I HAVE?

Typically, there are three dress fittings. The dress will be pinned at the first fitting. The second fitting is a check to make sure nothing else needs to be tweaked, and the final fitting will be a check just to make sure everything is perfect before the wedding.

3. HOW LONG WILL MY FITTING LAST?

The first fitting is the longest appointment, lasting approximately an hour, with the subsequent fitting requiring less and less time as your dress comes closer to completion.

4. WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO MY FITTING?

Your shoes! You must bring the shoes you plan on wearing on your wedding day to your fittings in order to make sure that the hem is accurate. If you do not have the exact shoes that you plan to wear, bring a different pair with the same exact heel height. If you plan on wearing any specific undergarments underneath your dress, make sure to bring those to your fitting also, as they will change the way that the dress fits on your body.

 

5. WHAT IF I LOSE OR GAIN WEIGHT?

In the process of getting your dress altered, we can always take the dress in or let it out if you lose or gain weight. Try to be finished actively loosing weight before you start your fittings, but if you are not, let the seamstress know and she will give you a timeline for when is best to start your alteration process.

6. WHAT IF I BOUGHT A SAMPLE THAT IS THE WRONG SIZE?

Sample wedding dresses can be altered a great deal by our professional seamstresses in order to fit you perfectly. It is easier to take a dress in than it is to let it out, so if possible, when buying an off-the-rack gown, choose one that is bigger rather than smaller. If your dress is too small, the dress can be let out to an extent, or matching fabric  from the designer can be added to the sample to make it your size.

7. SHOULD I BRING SOMEONE WITH ME TO MY FITTING?

It may be helpful to have someone you trust come with you to your first and second fittings just for reassurance, but if possible, someone who is going to help you get dressed on your wedding day should definitely come to the final fitting. This is when the seamstress will show the other person how to help you get dressed and how to bustle your dress for the reception. If it is not possible for someone to come with you, have it video taped so that you can show your bridesmaids later. Keep in mind that bringing a large entourage with you to your fitting appointment may be distracting. There needs to be clear communication between you and the seamstress to ensure that you are getting the proper fit for your dress and you are comfortable on your wedding day.