Must-Have Appointment Essentials

Preparing for a wedding gown appointment is an exciting time. It is the moment when you can try on beautiful dresses and envision yourself as a bride. To make the most of your appointment and ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, it's important to come prepared.

1. Proper Undergarments

Wearing the right undergarments can make a significant difference in how a wedding dress looks and fits. Bring a nude strapless bra, seamless panties, and any shapewear you plan to wear on your wedding day. This will provide a more accurate representation of how the dress will look on your big day.

2. Bridal Shoes

While you may not have your actual wedding shoes yet, it is a good idea to bring a pair with a similar heel height to what you plan to wear. This will give you a better idea of how the dress will look and if any alterations are needed for length. If you haven't chosen your shoes yet, bring a pair with a similar heel height from your own collection.

3. Accessories

If you have already purchased or have an idea of the accessories you plan to wear, bring them along. This includes items like your veil, headpiece, earrings, necklace, or any family heirlooms you want to incorporate. Trying on the dress with these accessories will help you visualize your complete bridal look.

4. Inspiration Photos

If you have been collecting inspiration photos from magazines or online, bring them to your appointment. Showing your stylist images of dresses or specific details you love will help them understand your vision and guide you towards gowns that align with your style preferences.

5. Hair and Makeup Ideas

Consider bringing photos or sharing ideas for your desired hair and makeup looks. Having an idea of how you envision your overall bridal style can help the consultant suggest dresses that complement your desired look. It will also help you visualize the complete bridal ensemble during the appointment.

6. Supportive Friends or Family

Bringing a trusted friend or family member whose opinion you value can be incredibly helpful during your gown appointment. Choose someone who knows your style and will provide honest feedback. Remember to limit the number of people you bring to avoid conflicting opinions that may overwhelm you.

7. Positivity and an Open Mind

Lastly, bring a positive attitude and an open mind to your appointment. Wedding dress shopping can sometimes be overwhelming, but staying open to trying on different styles and trusting the expertise of your stylist will help you find the perfect gown. Embrace the experience and enjoy every moment!

By bringing the right essentials to your wedding gown appointment, you will be well-prepared to make the most of this special experience. Proper undergarments, bridal shoes, accessories, inspiration photos, and a supportive friend or family member will ensure a successful appointment. Remember to stay open-minded and enjoy the process of finding the dress that will make you feel like the beautiful bride you have always envisioned.

Planning Your Wedding - Virtual Edition

Do you still want to have a wedding that EVERYONE can attend? Here are some tips to plan an elegant virtual wedding.

1. Guest List

Keep the guest list intimate, large video group gatherings can be a hassle and awkward. Guest will accidentally interrupt one another and sometimes there are uncomfortably long silences. Keeping the guest list small will eliminate this problem. 

Pro-Tip: Hold the main ceremony for a larger group (make sure all of guests are on mute), then schedule 15-30-minute slots of smaller, Zoom hangouts to spend quality time with each of your guests. It is just like going from table-to-table to greet your guest.

2. Invitations

Details, details, details, you want to send out very detailed invitations! Details and instructions are very important, that way your guests know what to expect. Date and time should be included of course, make sure you also include all Zoom links, and RSVP details.

3. Dress Code

Now I know what you’re thinking, “Dress Code, it’s just a virtual wedding!” Having a dress code not only makes your event classy, but it allows everyone to have something to look forward to. Let’s be real, the majority of people have just been at home in sweat pants, so why not give them an opportunity to get dressed up. 

These are just a few tips that will help you plan an elegant virtual wedding that everyone can be part of.

Muslim Bride Series: The Dress

The United States is a melting pot full of people with different cultures, religions, and backgrounds. Among those things, you have Islam, which is the second largest religion in the world. You would think with that statistic being a Muslim bride in the U.S., everything you’re looking for will be readily available. That being said, not all industries can be easily inclusive of all that diversity. Especially when wanting to planning a culturally accurate wedding in a country that doesn't recognize your culture as the norm. The solution? You’ll need to get organized and spend a bit more time and effort to make the wedding of your dreams come to life. First things first, find the perfect dress.

You may recognize someone as Muslim based on the head scarf (known as hijab) that they wear. But not all Muslims wear one! Typically, for many Muslim brides weather they wear hijab or not the goal is a modest gown. Here’s where things get complicated. There are so many beautiful gowns by big and small designers but there always seems to be a missing piece for it to be perfect to wear. A bride who wears hijab will be looking for a long sleeve gown where the sleeves are not see through. Sometimes they’ll also want a gown with a high neckline. The bodice and skirt of the gown will also have to be fully covered. Most gowns don’t fit all those qualifications, so we asked Alma, our Fashion & Marketing Expert, what she did to find the dress she loved but also fit her religious needs. She gave us two tips to help our Muslim brides! 

1. Shop at boutique or local bridal shops

“Smaller shops tend to have more unique gowns with a variety of options,” she stated. When looking for your gown you first need to fall in love with the design. Don’t worry so much if it is see through or missing parts. First make sure you like the beading, lace, tulle.. ect. Then make sure you love the fit. After you’ve picked what you’ve liked, Alma’s second tip will help make sure the gown ends up being religiously appropriate. 

2. Find a tailor

Just because the dress wasn’t originally long sleeves.. doesn't mean you can’t make it one! “A tailor can make or break your dress. Find a good tailor who can add sleeves for you, cover any sheer pieces, and raise/add a higher neckline. It’s almost like becoming a designer yourself. When the market doesn’t provide you with what your looking for customize it yourself. It’s nice because you basically end up with a unique gown no one else will have,” said Alma. 

Obvious or not, these two tips will help Muslim brides curate a gown they will not only love, but also feel their best in. Ask one of our team members for tailor recommendations. We work with some great people who can help you perfect the dress you always dreamed you’d celebrate your wedding in. 

Finding the Perfect Wedding Photographer

The wedding of Taylor & Robert.
Photo credit: Tulsa Wedding Photographer @andibravo_photography

Your wedding is a special day, you want to be able to share it with family and friends for years to come. A photographer is a crucial piece of your wedding. Just think, you have spent so much money on venues, decorations, wedding gown, etc. you want to have quality photos to remember this occasion. Finding a good photographer takes time, you want to make sure you do research and find someone who can capture your vision the way you want.

Some wedding venues have photographers included in the base packages, which can save you time and money. But don’t just hire these photographers without looking at their work. It is in your best interest to go through the portfolios and talk/interview every photographer that you may potentially hire.

You will likely spend a significant amount of time with your photographer, especially if you want bridal, engagement, rehearsal/reception photos. Make sure the they are someone that will give you the photos you want without adding any stress—ideally they will eliminate stress.

Regardless of someone’s experience behind the camera, they need to know what you want to see in your photos.

Pro-Tips

• Already have a photography style picked out. (Ex: Classic, Film, Artistic, etc.)

• Ask to see wedding albums. Review them, be critical, and pay attention to detail.

• On a budget? Ask about packages. When picking a package, make sure it includes everything you want.

• Contract. Review contract to see if there are any stipulations. Ex: Some contracts state that the photographer or company owns your photos. That could mean you can just post pictures to your social media without doing something specific. You may also have to pay the photographer for every print you want made, which can be an unexpected cost.

Bridal Make-up: Where do I start?

Bridal Make-up can be very overwhelming. So many looks, so many make-up artists (MUA)…..HELP ME! There are just 2 things you need to know.

1st. What kind of look do you want?

Natural, Soft Glam, Bold, so many styles to choose from. When searching for makeup inspiration, the best thing you can do is to start a Pinterest board! You will be able to see so many different looks and if you like it, “Pin it!”.
Hair color, eye color, skin tone, and undertones are features to take into consideration while browsing through different looks. These different features play a major part in makeup, so try to look for people with the same features.

2nd. Where do I find my make-up artist?

After you find your wedding day look it is time to look for your makeup artist. Social media is a great place to begin your search. Using hashtags on social media can take you directly to a MUA’s page, not only can you browse through their work, you can contact them as well. You can also look at local blogs and bridal magazines. If you know any other brides ask them who they used for their wedding, their MUA might offer a referral discount. Take your time when searching, try to narrow your results to no more than 3 MUA’s. After narrowing down your search to a top 3, contact them and ask a few important questions (see box below). Make sure the MUA you choose understands what you want your vision to be for your special day. It’s recommended to have your MUA booked at least three months before your wedding.

Bridal make-up should never be a cause for stress, Once you choose your make-up look and MUA you can check that off your list and continue planning the rest of your wedding.

Questions to ask your potential MUA:

Are you available on WEDDING DATE?
What is the cost of bridal makeup? 
Do you offer bridal packages for bridesmaids? (This question only applies if you are paying for your bridal party’s makeup)
Do you travel?
Can I book your services for the day (wedding & reception)? (This question only applies if you want to have your MUA with you all day for touch-ups or different looks)
What products do you use? (This question applies if you have skin allergies or sensitive skin)

IMPORTANT: Make sure your MUA can do a trial run. A trial run ensures there won’t be any confusion the day of your ceremony. You will be able to see how the makeup looks on you and change anything you would like.

3 Wedding Planning Deadlines You Cannot Ignore

There’s nothing we can say about planning your wedding that is new or groundbreaking. We can however stress the importance of one vital aspect that will make planning less hectic and stressful: DEADLINES, you need them!

Your wedding size and time are major factors when it comes to severity and urgency. Whether you are eloping, planning a courthouse wedding, or having a wedding with many guests, deadlines will help every bride. 

Deadline #1: Venue(Wedding/Reception)

Whether courthouse, church, restaurant, or anywhere, find and book your venue. No matter the size of your wedding a venue should be selected at least 10 months before the date. Some venues are scheduling even two years in advance. Selecting your venue can also influence your dress aesthetic and style. Some venues also have preferred caterers that are included, so another aspect of your reception - food - can be taken care of around this time as well.

Deadline #2: The Dress

It is never too early to start searching for your dress, but we recommend starting to look no later than 8 MONTHS prior to your wedding. Most designers need the time to make and ship your gown. We also recommend having at least 2 MONTHS before the wedding for alterations so you can avoid rush fees.

Deadline #3: Save the Dates

Save the date deadlines can vary depending on location. If your wedding is a destination wedding, your save the date should be sent out 8 to 12 MONTHS in advance. Local weddings should send out their save the dates at least 4 MONTHS in advance with the invitations following 8 WEEKS out. This deadline is important for both you and your guests. The attendees should be in the loop as soon as possible with date and location, that way they can make arrangements to be apart of your special day.

These are the TOP 3 deadlines that are key to mapping out a successful timeline. There are plenty of other time sensitive to-do’s associated with your upcoming nuptials, but if you set up an agenda with these three main points, it will help you keeping planning on track. No wedding is without stress, but you can definitely alleviate as much as possible with a roadmap.

Wedding Makeup: Top 6 Tips

There are so many things you want to make sure are done perfectly on your big day. It's only natural some aspects of planning unexpectedly take a back seat, including your wedding day makeup. Pictures last forever, so here are some tips for flawless makeup on your wedding day.

1. HYDRATE

Hydration is key. Hydrated skin allows for the best makeup application.

2. Its all about that BASE

No matter what season it is your base (Primer & Foundation) that can make or break your look. Your primer should be appropriate for your skin type (dry, combination, or oily). Different seasons call for different products. Summer and spring you want to pick a foundation that does not make you look too greasy, something matte or demi-matte. Winter and fall you want to pick a foundation that does not make you look flat, something with a luminous or dewy finish.

PRO-TIP: Make sure your foundation matches your neck.

3. WATERPROOF 

Waterproof everything! Your wedding can be an emotional day, keep a beauty sponge on hand to touch up if you shed a few tears. Always blot and press, never wipe!

4. Find balance.

If you want to have dramatic/smokey eyes, you go light on your base and your lips. If you want a bold lip, go light and subtle on the eyes.

5. Make-Up Trial

Most makeup artists will offer a bridal trial separate to the actual wedding day. The trial is so important for the makeup artist and you. It gives you a chance to try out different looks and what feels comfortable for your special day. It also allows the MUA to know exactly what products work perfect for your skin.

6. Purse Products (Products to keep on hand for your special day)

Lipstick/Lip Gloss

Blotting papers

Translucent/Finishing Powders

Pro-Tip: Tell your wedding coordinator or maid-of-honor to keep a touch kit for your whole bridal party near at all times. 

These tips will keep your face fresh and flawless! Makeup will be one less worry for you on your special day.

Wedding Day Glow: 5 Tips for healthy, glowing skin on your wedding day

With so much to focus on for your wedding, it is very easy to neglect your skin. I am going to let you know some skincare tips that will help your skin to have a natural glow for your big day.

Now I know skincare can be very intimidating, but I assure you that these tips are not complicated.’

Most Important: DRINK WATER!!!

The best thing you can do for your skin is drink water! I know everyone says that, but hydration is an essential key to beautiful, glowing, and hydrated skin. The 8x8 rule (water drinking rule) is 8 ounces of water 8 times a day, that’s about half a gallon of water a day. This amount will help of course with the overall health of your body, but it also helps keep your skin clear and glowing.

Pro-Tip: Keep a glass/bottle of water on your nightstand. Doing this will make drinking water from the beginning to the end of the day a breeze.

Eat a Well-Balanced Diet

A lot of the brides I know are already on some type of “diet”. Your diet should consist of lots of fruits & veggies, the vitamins and minerals in fruits and vegetables are essential for glowing skin. Fruits & Vegetables should be the foundation of your diet, and you should start trying to incorporate them into your diet months before you wedding.

Pro-Tip: Limit junk food (refined sugar & processed food), it can cause stress on the skin.

Sleep!

Get as much rest as possible. When you are resting your skin is repairing itself. Getting at least 8 hours of sleep(uninterrupted) helps with hydration and keeps those pesky under-eye bags (dark circles) away.

Pro-Tip: Give yourself a bedtime. Make sure you are not on your phone or watching tv, so you can have a peaceful sleep with no distractions.

Sunscreen

You should be using sunscreen EVERYDAY. It does not matter that the sun is not out, you should still where sunscreen. UV rays dry out your skin and cause premature aging. Sunscreen is the number one anti-aging ingredient on the market. Sunscreen will also help with uneven skin tone. You should wear SPF 30 or higher.

Pro-Tip: Buy a daytime moisturizer with sunscreen in it, so that way it’s already apart of your routine.

Skincare Routine

Invest in a skincare routine. It does not have to be too extravagant; you only need a few items to have a great skincare routine.

• Cleanser

• Exfoliator (1-2 times a week)

• Serum (Vitamin C is a great serum for beginners.)

• Moisturizer

• Sunscreen (Daytime Use Only)

Pro-Tip: Invest in a chemical exfoliator. Sounds scary but it’s the best type of exfoliator for your skin. This type of exfoliator can penetrate deeper than a physical exfoliator.

Following these tips will ensure you have glowing skin for your special day. 

Trunk Shows: What are they?

If you have been bridal gown shopping, I’m sure you have heard the term, “Trunk Show”. But what exactly is a “Trunk Show” and do you need to attend one?

Trunk Shows give designers a chance to showcase their new collections. Not only do you get to see their new collection, but it allows you to understand which styles are popular, trending, and soon to be released. Getting your gown from a Trunk Show gives you a chance to get a design and style that no other bride will have just yet.

Many of the gowns in each trunk show are not typically in store, offering a unique opportunity to try new options and styles. Not only will you be the first bride to wear a (brand new) gown and see a new collection that has yet to be released, but some bridal shops even offer a discount for purchasing from a Trunk Show.

Every bride to be should attend a Trunk Show. If you want to be notified of Trunk Shows at Modern Affinity, follow us on Instagram.

Misconceptions About Finding “The One”

“WHEN YOU KNOW, YOU KNOW”

Some try on the first gown and, “Boom! THAT’S THE ONE!” Others do not get to “The One” until dress 27. But one thing you may not know is that the dress will speak to you. Even if it’s a whisper—you’ll hear it.

MISCONCEPTION 1: “If I don’t cry, it can’t be my dress.”

Not every bride is going to cry. You may not be a super emotional person, and that is okay! It is all about how you feel when you’re in the dress. Don’t compare your reaction to anyone else’s reaction—just be yourself.

MISCONCEPTION 2: “I need my family to love the dress.”

We cannot stress enough that you are the one wearing your gown. The person waiting at the end of your glorious entrance is going to take one look at you and be blown away. They are going to love you no matter what you’re wearing. Your family is there to support you, hold your hand, and pass you tissues. At the end of the day, they will love whatever gown you choose because you love it and you look and feel beautiful in it.

MISCONCEPTION 3: “This dress won’t look good on me because of my size.”

Whether you are petite, plus size, or in between you won’t know if the dress looks good until you try it on. Your size does not matter, if you love everything about the dress(the way it looks on you, feels, design, etc.) and it speaks to you that is your dress. Size does not determine what type of dress you should get.

Dress shopping isn’t all you see on TV. Every experience is different for every person. Enjoy the moment you finally find “the one,” no matter if you laugh, cry, scream, or just smile.

Wedding Dress Stress: 5 Common Bridal Questions

Shopping in general can be stressful for anyone, but shopping for the perfect gown to complete your perfect day can bring an overwhelming amount of stress. Remain calm we are here to give you some tips to relieve that unwanted dress stress and help you have a successful and amazing experience.

How far in advance should I start shopping?

Don’t let anyone tell you that you’re getting your dress too early, IT IS NEVER TOO EARLY! You want to leave time for you gown to come in, it usually takes about 14-20 weeks for gowns to be made and shipped out. Remember no dress is perfect to your body - you’ll need alterations so it can fit perfectly (alterations take anywhere from 3-6 weeks).

How many people should I bring with me?

Sometimes you never know how many people is too many, everyone is different. However, remember that more people = more opinions. Think about what each opinion means to you, does it truly matter what they think of your gown?

What if my bridal tribe doesn’t like the gown I pick?

Your opinion is the only one that matters! You can still listen what others think, but at the end of the day, YOU are going to be the one walking down the aisle and dancing, so you want to find something that makes YOU happy.

Budget??

Budget is something to really consider. When you figure out what your budget is, do research. Call around and ask bridal shops questions and let them know your budget.

Style??

Keep an open mind about gowns. You may go in wanting a plain sheath gown and walk out with a blinged-out ballgown and that’s fine! Be open to different suggestions, but always let your stylist know how you feel about it. Part of your stylist job is to make sure we’re helping you find the look that you feel your best in!