Diamond Bride & Formal

Thinking about buying your bridal gown online?

2011-10-14T08:33:00.000-05:00

Buying from a retailer who has an Web site vs. buying from a Web retailer

Joey and I talk with brides every day who have purchased their gown online from someone promising a beautiful, designer gown at an unbelievable price. These are brides who HAVE NOT purchased from an actual authorized retailer that has a Web site, like a J.Crew or a bridal shop who has a Web site with an online store.

The sites that are causing the problems we're talking about are the ones that have this web address this month, and another one next month. Each one of these brides has a story about what has happened to their gown. It goes something like this, "I found my gown online, it was such a great deal, but___________." Just a couple examples of issues, "I found out today my gown isn't coming at all," or "I got my gown, but it wasn't what I saw on the Web site."

Of course Joey and I are not 100% objective on this topic because we believe that there is nothing better than touching/ feeling your gown, and knowing exactly what you're going to get when your gown is ordered and arrives.

What if I find my gown online?

If you find your gown online at a designer's Web site, you can go to the store locator and find an authorized retailer near you.
If you're on a store's Web site and found a dress you love, there's a chance the store has the gown in stock, and you'd actually be able to see it. Give the store a call and see if you can set up an appointment to see the gown live.
If you do a Google search of a gown, and end up on some Web site like bestbridalbarginsofalltime.com, there's a chance that the gown you see is not actually what you'll get. It's likely that they are not an authorized retailer of the dresses, and can't get the gown that you're seeing. The could be a producer of copies of the gown you love, or could have gotten a photo from someone who actually purchased the real gown, pulled a photo off the Internet, etc.

Affects on our Industry

We do love the Internet. And we love the convenience of buying almost anything we want online. But Joey and I are not loving what is happening with the faux merchandise being sold online. It makes brides feel like they can't trust anyone, even stores like ours that have been in business since 1969. We follow through with the gown you order, are focused on customer service and pride ourselves in trying to make sure every bride is smiling after doing business with us. Of course Joey and I would love to help you with your bridal gown purchase. We have measured thousands of brides to get a perfect fit. And Joey and I will still be here to help the brides who come in every month who need to find a gown quickly because their online purchase wasn't the fabric or fit that she thought.

But if you do buy online, find out if the retailer will stand behind their merchandise if there is an issue. Also, don't forget, you'll need to figure out who can handle any alterations you might need to achieve a perfect fit.

Summer Celebrity Weddings

2011-08-22T15:33:00.000-05:00

There have been some incredible summer celebrity weddings. Who has had your favorite style?

(Kate Moss, Dylan Lauren, Zara Phillips)

This post comes on the heels of one of the biggest weddings of the summer, Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries. E! Online has a good video of some of the wedding highlights here: http://www.eonline.com/news/everything_you_need_know_about_kim/259410 . Lots of photos have already been posted, but we're sure we'll be seeing a lot more of Kim's headpiece coming our way! What do you think of her headpiece? Fashion forward, or something you're not loving?

Whether you're looking to spend as much as Kate, Kim or just get their style, our new collection of bridal gowns for fall with headpieces to match will give you the look you want without the million dollar pricetag. You can book your appointment today at: http://diamondbrideinc.com/pages/ContactUs.htm.

THE Royal Wedding Viewing Party

2011-06-04T12:37:00.000-05:00

THE place to be to watch the Royal Wedding in Minneapolis was Brit's Pub. If you weren't crazy enough to get there at 4:30am for all the festivities, you could watch it on TV. The event was covered by all the local TV station affiliates, and MyTalk 107.1's Ian and Margery broadcasted live at the event. Forever TV's Amanda Day and Twin Cities Live's Elizabeth Ries and Emily Engberg were also there live covering the day's festivities.

The picture above is of the Prince William and Kate Look-A-Like contest winners that was run by MSP Magazine, MyTalk 107.1 and Trafalgar AAA Travel. We dressed "Prince William and Kate." "Kate's" dress is a beautiful ivory lace design out of our Private Collection. We now have the real Kate's dress design on order, and it will be arriving soon. "Prince William's" Tuxedo was provided by DuBois Formalwear.

Brit's Pub did a great job with the wedding cake, breakfast buffet and food throughout the day. Crispin Cider released a special brew just for the day, and it was a hit!

We promise to post recaps of all our upcoming fun, summer events. In two weeks we'll be doing the bridal expo at Maple Tavern from 10:30am-1pm. For event details and directions, visit: www.mapletavern.com.

Alterations & Your Dream Gown

2011-04-11T17:29:00.000-05:00

All seamstresses are not created equal. The same thing is true for any profession whether you're an actress, teacher or accountant. There are people within your craft that excel for whatever reason. In the world of bridal, we cannot tell you how important it is to have a person who knows how to put a bridal gown together, take one apart and most importantly custom fit it to you.

Hemming a bridal gown is not like hemming a pair of pants. It takes skill, experience with many types of fabrics, and a passion for perfection. This isn't your gown you're wearing to Aunt Sue's wedding, this is your wedding dress. If there were ever a time to go with a professional, this is it.

We do not require our brides who purchase their gowns from us get their custom fitting done at our store. However, we do recommend it for many reasons.
1. Som, our custom fitting expert is a professional.
She has been with us for 9+ years, and has credentials that include working for Vera Wang. She also has 30+ years of experience.

2. Fabric: Silk, Organza, Satin or Taffeta. Som can work with any fabric, and will bring out its beauty and alter it to fit you perfectly.

3. There is no job too big or too small for Som.
Just need a hem and a bustle? (Lucky you!) She can put that together for you. Want to use your mom's wedding gown, but want to ditch the sleeves and the collar? Som can dream up a new design, but keep the shape of the original gown.

4. Som guarantees her work.
She doesn't want your bustle to fall part way through dinner, nor does she want your hem trailing behind you down the aisle. Her attention to detail and quality will insure you look beautiful in your gown down the aisle to when the clock hits 12 midnight.

We have many brides that have a friend of a friend who has offered to do their alterations. We have no problem with that. It just takes more talent than one might think to alter your dream gown. After all, this is your day, you found your perfect gown, use the talent that will make it look like the gown was made for you.

Som is here on Thursdays by appointment only. Call or click today to schedule your appointment: 763.550.3992 or http://diamondbrideinc.com/pages/ContactUs.htm .

New Web site on the way!

2011-03-23T17:37:00.000-05:00

We are launching our new Web site this week. Our old site had some great information, but was lacking color and an elegant design, basically missing the “pretty.” It didn’t seem right that our site wasn’t reflecting how beautiful our brides feel when they find their perfect gown, or the experience they have with us during their visit.

We are hoping our new site does both of those things, infuse beauty and design while showcasing the experience our brides have. The site is also a great place to start on your quest to find your perfect wedding gown, with tips and advice on who to bring shopping with you, to industry do’s and don’ts.
Of course, it will also be the place to find out about our upcoming sales, promotions and industry news.

Ultimately, we are hoping our site will be an extension of us on to the world wide web for brides, grooms and their wedding parties.

The new site will be launched by this Saturday, 3.26. Stop by, take a look. We’d love to know what you think of the new site! http://www.diamondbrideinc.com .