admin, Author at Flair Boston | Wedding Dresses in Boston MA | Bridal Gowns, Bridesmaid Dresses, Accessories, Wedding Dress Cleaning

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Pets in Weddings

Ideas and Cautions

On your wedding day, you and your fiancé become a legal family, but I have a feeling that many couples out there felt like family long before that, and often because of the addition of their first “child” – their pet! For many of us, these important and cute creatures bring us together and really complete our lives, so leaving them out of the wedding day seems impossible! If you’re thinking about incorporating your pal into your big day, here are some ways to do so, and some cautions to consider before you set any plans in stone:

Our bride Sofia and her hubby had their adorable pooch there for some photos, and we think it totally paid off! Photo credit to the fab Kate Nielen Photography

First look – Let’s face it, pets are unpredictable, so giving them a role in the more structured parts of the day (i.e. the ceremony/reception) may not be ideal for everyone. Instead, you may want to consider having them there for the more private and carefree first look portion of the day. You’ll get some adorable photos of your little family, and your pet should do wonders to ease any day of jitters you may be experiencing!
In place of a bouquet – Of course, this one only works if you have a smaller pet, but having either yourself or your maid of honor carry your pet down the aisle is a great way to include them in the ceremony while still keeping a semi-tight rein on them. Cue the ooh’s and aah’s!
Cake topper – The reception is typically a rip-roaring, loud party, which may not be the ideal situation for your pet (and certainly not the ideal situation for them to be on their best behavior). So, instead of having them there IRL, consider including them as part of your cake topper! Cutting the cake is still a major part of most receptions, so this will ensure that your BFF gets to play an important role even if they’re not there in person.
And now, some cautions:
Sure, having your pet there will make you happy, but will it make him/her happy? Be sure to keep in mind your pet’s temperament and personality before choosing to include them in your big day. Do they like crowds? Are they high-strung? If you answered no then yes, you might want to consider incorporating your pet in a way that doesn’t necessarily require them to be there in person (e.g. our cake topper suggestion above).
Safety first! Is your wedding taking place in a high traffic area or on a particularly hot/cold day? Remember that you’ll be pretty busy, and won’t be able to keep an eye on or tend to your pets needs as much as usual, so if the environment isn’t ideal you may want to opt to leave them at home.
Keep your guests in mind. Do any of them have pet allergies, or even a fear/aversion to pets? The last thing you want is to make anyone uncomfortable on your big day, so be sure having your pet there won’t cause anyone any undue stress!

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Getting Fit for a Wedding

How to get in fighting fashion form!

Thanksgiving is over and I’m feeling…stuffed. I mean, that’s what turkey day is for, right? Well that and reflecting on all that we have to be thankful for, of course! Then, for me atleast, the day after Thanksgiving is full of a different feeling; guilt. Why did I have that second helping of sweet potatoes? Was that midnight sandwich made of leftovers really necessary? See, guilt city! Very quickly, though, that guilt turns into motivation. It’s cardio time, whether that’s in the form of tackling the Black Friday sales or hitting the gym. There’s still time to get back into fighting shape before those holiday parties, and more than enough time if you’re already fretting over a 2017 wedding. Here are some tips for brides and bridesmaids looking to get photo-ready fit for the big day:
1) Start good habits now – We all know that it can take awhile for a new activity to become a habit, so starting sooner is better. Stick with it and after a few weeks, that morning run or end of the day yoga class will feel just as necessary to your routine as that afternoon latte we know you have scheduled.
2) Eat clean – Even after you’ve established exercise as a part of your daily routine, there will still be days when you just can’t fit it in. Have no fear, though; developing good eating habits is a great way to stay fit without having to leave your house! Cutting out processed foods and drinks and sticking to whole, fresh foods should make a huge difference in your health, waistline, and mood to boot!
3) Consider getting a trainer – Sure, it’s more expensive than a regular old gym membership, but you’re way less likely to blow off a session when you have to be accountable to another person. Plus, you can chat about your specific fitness goals with them and they can maximize your time and ensure that you’re getting the most out of every work out minute!
4) Know what to focus on – While a total body workout is nice, it may not be totally necessary. Think about the dress that you’re wearing to the wedding. Most styles highlight a couple of particular body parts, and you can focus your fitness routine on those specific areas. Unsure? While we are certainly not fitness experts (see the above midnight leftovers sandwich comment), we’re happy to chat about your dress style and the areas that it showcases.

Is your dress sleek and fitted on the bottom? Focus on your hips and bum! Rocking a short dress? Work on those stems! Photos courtesy of Sweet Monday Photography

Tell us – do you have any great fitness tips for brides/bridesmaids to be??

in Advice from Flair / Boston Weddings / Fitness Tips / fitness tips for wedding / getting fit for wedding / Tips from Pros / Uncategorized 0 comments

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Bridesmaid Dress Alterations

Brides, what YOU need to know!

I don’t know about you, but when I first started planning my wedding I was determined to do everything myself. Not down to the cooking, I wouldn’t subject my guests to that, but in terms of style and décor, I alone was going to make every single decision. Then, months passed and wedding planning became overwhelming and suddenly I was more than happy to pass off tasks to trusted people around me. As a bride, it’s important to delegate and know what’s most important you to, and what can be handled by others. When it comes to your bridesmaids and their dress tailoring, you may think that you can leave it 100% to them, but we recommend making a few small decisions yourself before cutting them loose:

Of course, the first step is getting your girls a proper fitting dress! Check out our website for our measurement guide, or ask us any questions you have!

Of course, the first step is getting your girls a proper fitting dress! Check out our website for our measurement guide, and feel free to ask us any questions you may have!

Length – You don’t need to go so crazy as to tell each girl exactly how many inches she should take off her hem, but you should let them know your shortness threshold. The last thing you want is for one girl to show up in a mini that you did not authorize. Consider giving them a head start by saying that you prefer “two inches above the knee” or whatever you think is best. If you’ve chosen long dresses, remind your girls to bring their shoes with them to the tailor, so that he/she can perfectly align your girl’s hem with the floor.
Location – We get it, being a bridesmaid is expensive, but that’s no reason to cut corners and go cheap on the tailoring. A good seamstress is well worth the money, especially considering how many photos will be taken! Consider doing some research and giving your girls the names of a few reputable places to get them going. That way, you can avoid a chop job emergency in the final days before the wedding!
Lingerie – Well, undergarments is what we really mean, but we had an alliteration thing going on there. Since it can’t be seen and therefore doesn’t affect your wedding per se, you can’t really force your girls to buy certain pieces, but you can make suggestions. Choose a dress with a clingy fabric? Lightly recommend a shaper so that you don’t see any underwear lines. Select a strapless or other low cut style? Discuss choosing a bra that keeps the cleavage at a tasteful level.

Of course, if you have any questions on tailoring your girls’ dresses, don’t hesitate to give Flair a ring!

in bridesmaid dress alterations / Bridesmaids / Bridesmaids Boston / bridesmaids dress tailoring / Bridesmaids dresses / Bridesmaids' Dress Care / Tailoring Advice 0 comments

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Jenny Yoo Bridesmaids’ Dresses

Get to know her innovative Nabi Collection!

The ultimate bridesmaids’ dress struggle: matching dresses or different? These days most brides are opting for the latter, but we’ll be honest, neither choice is without its challenges. Do you spend the time to find that one perfect unicorn of a dress that all of the girls will love, or the time to find multiple dresses for each girl individually? If both options sound a little overwhelming to you, you’ll love Jenny Yoo’s Nabi collection! Each dress in the Nabi collection is convertible, meaning that it can be worn multiple ways. So essentially, you get the best of both the worlds – the ease of choosing just one dress with the peace of mind knowing that each girl can style it to her liking. Genius! Even better, this month all of the Nabi dresses are on SALE! Check out some of the styles below and then give us a ring to make an appointment to see them in person and get your orders in for this fab deal!

The Annabelle dress is a tulle lovers dream! Soft, romantic, and universally flattering! And yes, that is a convertible bridal gown for any brides who want in on the fun 🙂

Brides who want a knee length dress are in luck too – the Keira dress is super cute just as is, or tied up in one of the many, many strapped options!

Love chiffon? The Aidan dress is easy, breezy, and beautiful (cover girl…we couldn’t resist) 😉

in BM Dresses Boston / Boston Bridesmaids / Bridesmaids dresses / Convertible bridesmaids' dresses / Jenny Yoo / Jenny Yoo bridesmaids / Jenny Yoo Nabi 0 comments

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Wedding Color Schemes

How to rock black at your white wedding!

No one is happier than me that Halloween is over. No offense, October 31st lovers, it’s just that I am head over heels in love and obsessed with Christmas and now I feel like I can start to celebrate it. Don’t worry, I’m not one to put my lights up this early or anything, but Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You” may have already been played and I may already have some peppermint coffee in my house. As excited as I am that it’s over, though, there is one thing that I love about Halloween; the color black. It’s my favorite color and pretty much non-existent at other major holidays. It made me think about how tricky it is to celebrate with the color black. It does have a somewhat somber vibe and that may be why it’s avoided for happy occasions, but I’m here to tell you that there are tons of ways to incorporate this chic shade into non-Halloween fetes. If you’re planning a wedding and are a lover of the darkest shade like me, here are some things you can do:
Flowers – Anemones are one of my favorite flowers because of their chic, black centers. Pop a few of these into your centerpieces for an easy, impactful touch of black. Or, consider black vases or black candelabras in addition to the florals on your tables for a truly wow statement! In terms of your bouquet, think about wrapping your stems in a bold black and white striped ribbon; gorge!
Accessories – Sure, your dress is white, but that doesn’t mean you can’t rock a little black too. Whether it’s a totally rewearable black shoe or a classic black clutch, you’ll never regret rocking a dark accessory that will beautifully pop against your dress! Feeling a little bolder? A black sash is a super chic look and (bonus) having a darker shade at your waist does really amazing things for your already fab waistline!

Chic Flair bride Ali popped a gorgeous, black AB Ellie belt onto her lace Amy Kuschel bridal gown. We LOVE the mix of modern and timeless! Photo credit: Sweet Jane Photography

Chalkboard accents – Duh, chalkboards are black and are totally in style right now, so why not add them to your wedding décor! Consider tiny chalkboard easels for your table numbers, or have your menu written on a larger board. If you don’t want to deal with the potential mess that chalk can bring, most stationery vendors have a chalkboard look option that you can go with.
Food – These days, it’s equally important that your wedding food look good and taste good. Popping a bold color into your cuisine is an easy way for your caterer to create an eye-catching look without necessarily affecting the flavor. A fun black and white polka dot cake, for example, is sure to wow your guests! In terms of dinner, a squid ink pasta makes for such a unique looking plate, and you’d be surprised at how little it changes the flavor of the dish (aka don’t be scared)!

Tell us – how are you incorporating black elements into your big day??

in Advice from Flair / black and white wedding / Boston Weddings / Stuff We Love / Tips from Pros / Uncategorized / wedding color schemes / Wedding Planning 0 comments

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Bridal Style

Achieve the perfect overall look!

Naturally, when it comes to a bride’s appearance, we here at Flair tend to focus on the dress (duh). However, even we can acknowledge that there’s way more that goes into a bride’s overall wedding day look! So today, we’re talking bridal style from head to toe. Here’s what you need to be thinking about, from top to bottom:
Hair – Most people automatically assume “hairstyle” but you need to be thinking about way more than just that. For starters, plan out your haircut schedule so that you end up with a cut/trim a few weeks before the big day. Want to dye your hair too? Then you’ll want to push your pre-wedding salon appointment a little closer to the wedding day to avoid any unsightly roots. At home, you may want to consider adding in a hot oil, mask, or other treatment to get your tresses in tip top shape! Talk to your usual stylist about any hair issues you might be worried about and he/she can likely recommend some great at home remedies! Once your hair is healthy and perfect, it’s time to adorn it, and Flair can help with that!

Elizabeth Bower (available at Flair!) has a stunning headpiece for every bridal style!

Face – Of course, every bride should hit up Pinterest and decide what she wants her wedding makeup to look like. It doesn’t matter how fab the makeup is, though, if the skin underneath isn’t on point. So long before your Pinterest binge, consider visiting a dermatologist and/or facialist to discuss any issues you’d like to address before the big day. That way, if they recommend any new products or services, you can test them out in advance of the wedding to ensure you don’t have an adverse reaction.
Ears, neck, and wrist – You guessed it, the jewelry zones! Based on the cut/style of your dress, determine what bridal baubles you’d like to add and start shopping for them a few months prior to the big day. Not sure what pieces go best with your dress? Schedule an accessories appointment at Flair and we’d be happy to talk you through it!

The fab A.B. Ellie has some stunning jewelry to choose from – including her super on trend, heavy metal “Hardware” collection for 2017!

Bust, waist, and bikini zone – Time to think undergarments! Need a bra with a low back? Or do you prefer a one piece shaper that also covers the tummy? Discuss with your friendly neighborood bridal salon 😉 so that you have ample time to shop for your perfect delicates.
Hands – You’re going to be getting some seriously stunning new hardware on lefty, so it (and righty too) needs to look good! Start getting manicures a couple months in advance of the big day to get your cuticles and nails in top form. At home, moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! A pretty mani on a dry, scaly hand is no good to anyone!
Legs – When it comes to your stems, you need to think about whether or not you’d like a garter and/or pantyhose. Summer brides shouldn’t have to worry about the latter, but Fall/Winter brides may like the extra layer. As for the garter, it’s definitely a tradition that seems to be forgone more and more, but still fun none the less!
Feet – See hands. Pedicures are important too, ladies, and are also a perfect way to sit back and relax prior to the big day! They are especially important if you’ve chosen open-toed shoes. Speaking of which, be sure to buy your shoes well in advance so you can wear them around the house and break them in. Wearing them a little will also let you know if you need any comfort inserts to keep those feet happy and dance ready!

Tell us – did you do anything else to get head to toe wedding ready??

in A.B. Ellie / Advice from Flair / Boston Bridal / Boston Weddings / bridal style / Elizabeth Bower / Stuff We Love / Tips from Pros / Uncategorized 0 comments

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Blush by Hayley Paige Fall 2016

What to expect from the latest collection!

Over the course of our years carrying the Blush by Hayley Paige bridal collection, we’ve come to find that these dresses are perfect for the bride who wants it all! Looking for something classic, but with modern touches? Love lace AND bling? Want to feel both sexy and elegant? Then this collection is for you! Somehow Hayley Paige manages to combine many different elements seamlessly into one gorgeous, cohesive dress, and you get to reap (and wear!) the benefits! Plus, her Blush collection is at an affordable price point that should make all wallets happy 🙂

This weekend we’re hosting a trunk show for HP’s latest Blush collection (Fall 2016) and we cannot wait to see these multi-faceted beauties on our Boston brides! Here’s what you can expect from this fresh crop of stunners:

Modern straps – Spaghetti is great on your plate, but we’re looking for something new and fresh when it comes to our shoulders! Blush’s Fall 2016 collection has a huge number of strapped looks (8 out of 9!) that will make strapless haters happy, and their innovative designs make Flair (and you) happy!

blush-hayley-paige-bridal-fall-2016-style-1656-anouk_2

The Anouk gown features a cage of bling on the shoulders…yes please!

Unique pops of skin – The illusion look has been super popular in recent years, and while we still love it, we’re happy to see Hayley Paige showcasing skin in new ways! Worried about showing too much flesh? Have no fear; HP knows how to show off your fab figure in the most elegant, wedding ready ways!

The underarm doesn’t typically get a ton of love, until now! Lanai gown, we heart ya!

Tulle – The ballgown is back, y’all! OK, so it never really went away but we are definitely seeing an increase in brides looking for that floaty, Cinderalla look, and lucky for them, Hayley Paige has taken notice! This new collection is full of beautiful and oh so bridal tulle that will have you looking and feeling like you’re floating on a cloud!

Scout dress, we think Cinderella would totally approve of you!

With Blush by Hayley Paige, you can expect these hot trends and much, much more! Give us a ring to come see them in person!

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New York Bridal Market

See what’s in store for 2017!

If you could have any super power, what would you choose? I’d totally want to be able to see the future. Stock market, here I come! While that might be wishful thinking, there is one way that I can see the future right now – bridal market! Every October, we head to NYC to see what our amazing designers have in store for our customers for the coming year. We just got back, and let me tell you, 2017 brides and bridesmaids are going to have some majorly gorgeous dresses to choose from! Every year, our designers amaze us with how they continue to step up their game and innovate, while always remaining true to their specific aesthetic and style. It’s so fun to watch and we can’t wait to see their new, stunning styles on our girls later this winter! Dying for a sneak peek? Here are some top trends that we caught:
Cold shoulder bridal gowns– We saw an awful lot of shoulders at this year’s shows! Cold shoulder necklines have been a huge trend in ready to wear, and this year the wedding world got in on the action. Cold shoulder is a great way to show some skin in a new, totally Grandma approved way, and we’re obsessed! The only thing to keep in mind is that this style is uber trendy, so be sure think about if that’s the look you’re going for.

We snuck you this shot of a brand new Amy Kuschel gown that beautifully showcases the bridal cold shoulder 🙂

Bridesmaids’ separates – Bridal gown separates made their debut last year at market, and this year bridesmaids’ are joining in on the fun! We love separates because they’re current and on trend, but also because they tend to be easier to fit. Is your bust bigger than your waist? No worries! With many separates designers, you can order a different sized top and bottom, creating the optimum fit!

Jenny Yoo was totally on top of the bridesmaids’ separates trend!

Bold accessories – While soft, classic pearls are always going to be a wedding staple, if you’re looking for something a little more modern and fresh, go bold! Our amazing accessories designer, A.B. Ellie, designed her new collection, “Hardware”, for the bride looking to make a statement with her accessories! Think metals, bold shapes, and oversized pieces – super glam!

Here’s a pretty little preview of AB Ellie’s new “Hardware” collection; totally swoon worthy!

Stay tuned to our social media to see when these new trends (and more!) start arriving in the store later this winter!

in 2017 bridal gowns / 2017 bridesmaids dresses / 2017 wedding trends / BM Dresses Boston / Boston Bridal / Boston Bridesmaids / Boston Weddings / New York Bridal Market 0 comments

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Bridesmaids’ Dress Colors

Hot Trends for 2017!

Many brides these days are opting to give their girls some choice when it comes to their bridesmaids’ dress silhouette/fit. Makes sense; after all, they are the ones actually wearing them! One thing brides should be ready to stand firm on, though, is the dress color. The color contributes to the overall look of the wedding and the photos, so it’s important that the bride love the color; if the bridesmaids’ love it too, that’s just a fab bonus 😉 To get you ready to make your choice, brides, here are some hot color trends for the upcoming season:

Muted colors – Pick a shade and then add a soft undertone to it, and you’ve got a new, modern color option! That softness creates a super romantic look and ensures that the girls’ dresses aren’t too jarring next to your light gown.

We’re obsessed with this muted sage green grey color from Jenny Yoo’s 2017 collection – so chic!

White/Ivory – I know, totally taboo in the past, but today it’s totally chic! Brides shouldn’t have any worries about their girls looking too similar to them; bridesmaids’ dresses are way simpler than most bridal gowns, so you’ll still stand out!

Social style S2975 from the Dessy Collection is perfect for those wary of the white trend; the black belt adds the perfect pop of color!

Blue Gray – Navy has ruled the bridesmaids’ world recently, but this season there’s a new hue in town! A gorgeous French grey is the perfect option for the bride who loves blue but wants to do something a little new and different.

Not sure what French grey is? The front dress is a great example, though it can also be a shade or so darker. Oh, and Jenny Yoo’s having a chiffon sale this month FYI! 🙂

Coral – Like orange but worried about how it’s notoriously hard on most skin tones? Take a step back, add a little flattering pink, and you’ve got your perfect shade – coral! This color will add a touch of brightness and fun to your wedding photos, and is sure to have your girls smiling all day/night long!

Anna Elyse is the queen of color and has tons of options in the coral family!

Tell us – what color are you choosing for your bridesmaids?

in Advice from Flair / BM Dresses Boston / Boston Bridesmaids / Boston Weddings / bridesmaids dress colors / bridesmaids dress trends / Stuff We Love / Tips from Pros 0 comments

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Wedding Gown Add-Ons

How to make your gown truly YOU!

I’ll never forget the day I saw it; the episode of “Say Yes to the Dress” when another bride bought my wedding dress (yes, I bought at Kleinfeld because I got married a million years ago, pre-Flair having its AMAZING bridal collection). How can this be?? That dress is MINE! I looked so fabulous that surely they just retired that dress after me, right?! Once my hysterics died down, I realized that it really wasn’t that big of a deal. Of course other brides are going to wear my dress; if they don’t, that might say more about my fashion sense than anything else. Besides that, the way I styled it was totally different than the TV bride, making our dresses look more like cousins than twins. Crisis averted. If you’re having similar feelings, have no fear, there are tons of bridal embellishments and add-ons that can truly make your dress YOURS! Check them out:

A topper – Bridal tops are a MAJOR trend in the wedding world right now! Pop one on and instantly change your look, making it fresh, modern, and (if you need it) more covered up. They’re perfect for a ceremony that requires more modesty, or just a little pop of extra style all day/night long!

Yes, that’s a lace topper! Works perfectly and seamlessly with the dress, right? Amy Kuschel’s “Audrey” top totally has us swooning!

A petticoat – It may sound like a thing of the past that Jane Eyre was forced to wear, but actually petticoats are still totally relevant and current in today’s bridal fashions! They are an affordable, easy way to add some volume to the skirt of your wedding gown, and you’d be surprised how different they can make it look!
Detachable straps – We know, we know; the bridal world is still predominantly strapless. It’s getting better, we swear, but in the meantime, accessories designers are taking notice and adding removable straps to their repertoire! So, no need to avoid strapless styles when you head out on your gown search!

No need for a necklace when you add AB Ellie’s STUNNING, sparkly “Josephine” straps to your strapless gown!

Buttons – Almost all of our bridal gown designers have the option of adding buttons down the back of their gowns. Don’t worry, though, most don’t actually require you to button them up. Slide up your zipper and the buttons hug over the seam, creating an elegant, photo-worthy look!

Of course, these options are in addition to the always fabulous and classic options of jewelry, belts/sashes, and veils! Flair is happy to help you explore any of these add-ons; let us know if there’s one that speaks to you!

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