Blog - Flair Boston | Wedding Dresses in Boston MA | Bridal Gowns, Bridesmaid Dresses, Accessories, Wedding Dress Cleaning

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Bridal Separates

Look tops with a topper!

Over the years we’ve come to find that a bride falling in love with two different wedding dresses is a fairly common occurrence. Generally speaking, brides aren’t often sold on one particular look so she may covet a romantic, timeless gown, for example, just as much as a modern, trendy one. Unless you have a Kardashian budget, you probably won’t opt for actually buying both dress styles, so then begins your very own Sophie’s choice. Which gown to choose?? Lucky for today’s brides, though, there’s a fairly easy way to get two looks out of one dress – toppers! Slip one of these on and totally transform the look of your dress! Whether you’re looking for a little more coverage for the ceremony, or you just want to change up your look mid-day, a topper is an easy and economical way to get the best of both worlds. Did we peak your interest? Here are some terrific toppers by Flair’s fabulous designers!

Amy Kuschel’s Audrey topper is perfect for the bride looking for a little more coverage!

Looking to add some whimsy and romance to your look? Jenny Yoo’s Ophelia capelet will do just the trick – and make for some stunning photo ops!

Love lace but don’t want a full lace gown? Just pop on Jenny Yoo’s Mika topper for just the right amount of lovely lace 🙂

Want to really make a statement? Willowby’s Merapi vest is sure to wow!

Tell us – which topper is your fave??

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Wedding Traditions

Don’t let your “something blue” get you blue!

These days, wedding traditions are becoming a little more a la carte; pick the ones you like and leave the ones you don’t. Does the thought of the garter toss make you gag? Forget it! Don’t want all eyes on you (and your not “Dancing With The Stars” ready moves) during the first dance? Skip it! It’s your day, after all, so just do what you like! One tradition we still love, though, is the classic “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue”. It’s a good one because it doesn’t affect the flow of your big day, and basically gives you an excuse to add some rockin’ pieces to your already killer ensemble! Typically, it’s the last one that gives brides the most trouble. It’s not always easy to incorporate something blue into your bridal look, so today’s blog is dedicated to some fun, unique ways to do just that!
Temporary Tattoo – For my sister’s recent bachelorette party, the gold “Team Bride” faux tattoos that I selected were a HUGE hit! They’re easy, inexpensive, and perfect for a fun photo op! So, why not rock one on your big day? Just find your perfect, discreet spot and go! P.S. we love these that we found on Etsy!

Only $3.49? A Something Blue bargain!

Perfume – If you’re up for something a little less literal, Oscar de la Renta makes a gorgeous scent called “Something Blue” that would totally do the trick. Plus, you’ll have tons leftover for your honeymoon and beyond!
Makeup – No, we’re not talking about that horrid blue eyeshadow of the 80’s! We were more thinking of a chic navy eyeliner, mascara, or even a soft blue mani and/or pedi. You have to get your makeup/nails done anyways so why not check “something blue” off of your to-do list at the same time!
Blue petticoat – Looking to add some volume to your bridal gown? A petticoat is an easy and inexpensive way to do so, and they come in tons of great colors so you can opt for a blue one if you like! It will remain hidden the majority of the day, but makes for a fun surprise when it’s time to kick up your heels and hit the dance floor!

Tell us – what’re you doing for your Something Blue??

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Bridesmaids’ Jewelry

Find the perfect cherry to top off their look!

Picture a cupcake without the frosting, a burger without the cheese, or a sundae without the cherry. They still look good, but you’ve got to admit, there’s just something missing. It’s those finishing touches that really make each food special (and let’s face it, tasty)! When it comes to bridesmaids, of course the dress is the “meat” of their look, but it’s the jewelry that really completes their wedding day style. So yeah, it’s pretty important to pick just the right pieces! Here are some things to consider – along with some pretty pieces from Flair sprinkled in there!:

Dress Style – If you chose a soft, romantic bridesmaid’s dress, for example, then your jewelry should follow suit. Consider a classic string of pearls as opposed to a chunky statement piece that reads more modern.

Can’t decide between pearls and crystals? Mariell says you don’t have to!

Dress cut – Not all dress silhouettes go with all styles of jewelry. Higher necklines are trickier to pair with a necklace, for instance, so you may want to consider earrings and/or a bracelet instead. A thicker cut v-neck already takes up plenty of real estate on your girls’ décolletage, so if that’s your chosen style you’ll want to think about a thin, delicate necklace to match.

Want a little color? Elizabeth Bower has you covered!

Dress fabric – These days, bridesmaids’ dresses are getting more and more intricate. Complete with sparkle and even patterns, some dresses today make a loud enough statement all on their own! If that’s the case with your chosen dress, you may want to opt for a simple stud earring that won’t compete with the dress.

A jewelry set is the perfect way to ensure that your earrings and necklace match perfectly!

Whatever you’re considering, decide in advance if you’ll be picking up the jewelry tab or allowing your girls to choose and buy their own accessories. If you’re not footing the bill, you can give them guidelines but really the final decision is theirs, so make sure you’re comfortable with that! Lastly, think about if you’re OK with your girls coordinating their own pieces into their wedding day look. Maybe one girl has an heirloom watch that she never takes off, for example. Are you OK with her wearing it on your big day? If not, think of a way to gently let the girls know that the pieces you/they pick are really the only accessories you envision.

Above all else, shopping for bling should be fun! So, if you’re feeling stressed about it, don’t hesitate to call us and schedule a half-hour accessories appointment. We’re happy to go over your vision and make some recommendations! Happy shopping 🙂

in Boston Brdesmaids dresses / Boston Bridesmaids / Boston Jewelry / Boston Weddings / Bridesmaids Jewelry 0 comments

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Jenny Yoo Bridal

See what’s trending in her newest collection!

Although we’ve been enjoying nice weather for some time now, this week it finally became official; Summer is here! We love when the seasons change, especially this one. We’re so ready for tanned skin, outdoor cocktails, and, of course, the beach! In our business, though, the calendar seasons aren’t the only ones that change. Most of our designers have seasonal collections that bring us something almost as exciting as a margarita on the beach – new dresses! OK, to us new dresses are actually more exciting than an al fresco cocktail. So, you know it’s a pretty big deal! Speaking of which, we just received some new 2016 Jenny Yoo bridal gowns; perfect timing for our trunk show this weekend! If you’re heading in for the event this weekend, or are just a lover of her looks, here are some trends to look out for in her dreamy, romantic, and ethereal new bridal collection:

Simple slip style dresses:

Celine (left) and Catherine (right) are proof positive that simple doesn’t have to mean boring!

Elbow length sleeves:

Candela (left) and Sawyer (right) are perfect for brides who want a little more coverage without sacrificing style!

Separates:

Top left: Elodie Bustier
Bottom Left: Hannah Skirt
Top Right: Denali Skirt
Bottom Right: Ophelia Cape

Lace edging:

We love seeing the gorgeous, raw lace edges on Brianna (left) and Athena (right)!

Can’t wait to see these beauties on our equally beautiful Boston brides 🙂

in 2016 Bridal Gown Collections / 2016 bridal gown trends / 2016 wedding dress collections / Boston Bridal / Boston Weddings / Jenny Yoo / Jenny Yoo 2016 / Jenny Yoo Bridal Gowns 0 comments

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Share the love on on your wedding day

How to show your guests you care!

In general, we like to keep things as light and happy as possible. After all, we’re in the wedding industry, which is chock full of love and joy! When something as tragic as the recent event in Orlando happens, though, we (and I’m sure many of you) find it difficult to see the light. What makes this particular event especially hard to handle is the fact that these poor, innocent people in Florida may have been targeted because of who they love. Being in the industry of love, that’s something that we find extremely difficult to bear. Everyone has the right to love, and that’s something we at Flair will always believe in and fight for. For now, we feel that the best way to begin to heal is to focus on just that, love. No day is a guarantee so it’s important, now more than ever, to show your loved ones that you care. A perfect day to do? Your wedding day! Everyone you adore will be in one room, so why not take the extra step to shower them with love? Here are a few ideas:
Flowers for all – Generally speaking, it’s only the most “important” people who get flowers at a wedding; the bridal party, mother of the bride, etc. Why not talk to your florist, though, about having a flower station set up for all of your guests before/after the ceremony? The ladies can grab a couple of stunning stems to carry, and the guys can pin a bloom to their jackets. It’s a fun favor idea and a great way to for everyone to feel loved and truly a part of your big day!
Photo place cards – Take some time ahead of the wedding to pull together photos of you and/or your fiancé with all of your attendees. Shrink them down and incorporate them next to the names on your place cards. It will be a fun surprise when your guests look for their seats, and they’ll love to look back on that memory with you.
Cheers…to them! – There will of course be speeches toasting you and your fiancé, but what will really be a surprise is if the two of you stand up and turn the tables on them! Take a few minutes to tell your guests how special they are to you and how happy you are that they’re there for your big day. After all, when you have them all in the same room again? Take advantage of this moment and spread the love!
Remember their milestones – Did any of your guests get married this year too? Or celebrate a big anniversary? Or have a baby? Take a section of your program and/or menu to call out their accomplishments. They’re sure to be touched and know how much you truly care!

Whatever you do, don’t let the busyness of your big day detract from the real reason everyone is there – love! They love you, you love them, and they’re all there to celebrate the love between you and your fiancé. Keep that in mind above all else and you’re sure to have the perfect wedding day!

in Advice from Flair / Boston Weddings / Stuff We Love / Tips from Pros / wedding favors / wedding guests / wedding toasts 0 comments

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Wedding Guest Attire

Dress to Impress!

I think I might be psychic. No, really. I bet your refrigerator is covered in save the dates and wedding invitations; am I right?? See, I am psychic! OK, so it doesn’t take a clairvoyant to predict that in the summer time most people have save the dates and invites decorating their fridges; it is wedding season after all! One thing that is harder to predict, though, is what to wear to all of those weddings. As a guest it can be hard to know what is appropriate and what should be avoided. Here are some tips to get you wedding ready:
1) Avoid white – This one’s a given. Stop, do not pass go, do not collect $200.
2) Avoid anything overly sexy – Even though a wedding is a great place to meet people, it’s not a club, so don’t dress as if you’re going to one. Remember the rule of one, i.e. only one sexy area allowed. For example, if you want to show some cleavage, make up for that by keeping your hemline on the longer side.
3) Abide by the invite – If the invite says black tie, then it’s black tie you must wear! A general rule of thumb is that it’s better to over than under dress, so when in doubt, lean towards a more formal ensemble.
4) Avoid anything loud – Whether it’s loud because of how skin tight it is, loud in color/pattern, or literally loud (hello, paillettes), just say no. A wedding is not the time for you to make a statement. It’s the bride and groom’s time, and that’s it.

Need more guidance? Our friends at The Black Tux came up with this handy dandy guide, check it out! Then send your guy to see them for their affordable, easy suit rentals!

in Advice from Flair / Boston Weddings / Tips from Pros / Uncategorized / Wedding Dress Codes / Wedding Etiquette / Wedding Guest Attire / Wedding Guest Etiquette 0 comments

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Wedding Dress Tailoring

Do your homework before your first fitting!

Memorial Day has come and gone and it’s finally starting to feel like summer here in New England. I don’t know about you but we’re definitely ready for some sun, sand, sundresses, and al fresco dining! Another fun thing that summer brings? Wedding season! Because the weather is so nice, the majority of weddings in our area happen in the summertime. So, as you can imagine, we’ve been selling tons of wedding dresses to all of those stunning summer brides! Even though their dresses have already been bought, there is still plenty to do to get them wedding ready. Namely? Tailoring! Yes, it’s the process that most brides dread. We all have visions of a botched tailoring job ruining our weddings, but have no fear; in all of our years we’ve literally NEVER heard of that happening. To get through the tailoring process with ease, all you really need to do is prepare. Here are some questions that every bride should ask their tailor before proceeding with any alterations:

We love Best Fit on Newbury Street; definitely give them a call if you’re in need of a tremendous tailor!

1) How many fittings will I need? Once the tailor sees you in your dress, he/she should have a good idea of how much work is required. The average bride will go in for three fittings, so keep that in mind when they answer. Anything much lower (i.e. 1) or higher (i.e. 5 or more) is probably a reason to pause and get a second opinion.
2) Where is my dress kept when it’s not being worked on? Most brides fear an accident happening while the dress is actually being altered, but if the tailor you’re considering doesn’t have a safe place to store it in its “down time” then it can most certainly get damaged then too. Ideally, you’re looking for a storage place out of the sunlight, away from the workroom, and with plenty of room so that your gown isn’t squished.
3) Have you worked with many wedding gowns before? You can pretty easily work this one into casual conversation: “So, are you guys crazy busy this time of year with brides?” Even though you want your tailor to have plenty of time to focus on your gown, the answer you’re looking for is “Yes!” Knowing that other brides trust this tailor is a huge plus!
4) How long will it take to alter my gown? This one’s a no brainer; you obviously need to make sure that the tailor can do the work in time for your big day. Also be wary, though, of anyone who quotes you a really quick lead time. This is not something that you want to be rushed!
5) Will my dress by steamed/pressed when I pick it up? Obviously your dress will get handled quite a bit during the tailoring process, so any reputable tailor will press and/or steam it before handing it off to you. Anyone who doesn’t offer this service is probably someone to reconsider.
6) How much will it cost to tailor my gown? Tailoring prices vary depending on a ton of factors; how much beading the tailor has to work around, how closely the dress fits to begin with, etc. Any good tailor should be able to give you a close sense of what you can expect to pay, though, at your first meeting with them. Keep in mind, though, that prices can change as the tailoring process continues. Also keep in mind that you get what you pay for. Tailoring, like sushi, is not something that you want to go cheap on. Trust us, it’s the best money you can spend!

As always, don’t hesitate to contact Flair if you have any questions before you head into your first fitting!

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Bridesmaids’ Gifts

A+ Presents for your Best Girls!

Not to toot our own horn, but we work pretty hard to keep our blog and fresh and full of original content (toot toot). One topic we like to repeat every now and then, though, is an important one; bridesmaids’ gift ideas! While it is a fun thing to shop for, it’s not without its pressures. After all, these girls have been at your bridal beck and call for months, so they definitely deserve something special! If you’re in need of some ideas, here are some of our favorite, new gift ideas:
Luxury phone cases – Let’s face it, we all want to splurge on the designer cases from Bloomingdales and Bergdorfs, but we tend to talk ourselves out of them before hitting “Add to Cart.” Bridesmaids’ gifts are the perfect opportunity to opt for something somewhat frivolous and definitely fabulous for your best girls! Added bonus: your girls probably pick up their phones, like, a million times a day, and now they’ll think of you every time!
Kindle – These days, you can snag a Kindle (or something similar) for under $100, so why not get one for each of your girls! Go the extra mile and download a book that you think she’ll love, or that reminds you of her, for a thoughtful, yet practical gift!
High end liquor and accompanying glasses – I don’t know about you, but when I go to the liquor store, I tend to auto-pilot to, well, the cheap section. I rarely splurge on a high-end, high-quality bottle, and if you think your girls are in the same boat, head to your favorite packy and go straight for the rapper approved, expensive section! Whether it be wine, vodka or whiskey, choose a fancy bottle of their favorites and pair it with chic glasses for a gift that’s sure to have them toasting to you!
The classic – As I’m always telling my husband, you can never go wrong with jewelry! The same goes for your bridesmaids, so if you’re having trouble finding just the right thing, opt for the bling! Whether it’s something you want them to wear on the big day, or just a fun piece to add to their everyday wardrobe, your girls are sure to love something new, special, and sparkly!

If you want to go the jewelry route, Flair has tons of stunning sparklers from Elizabeth Bower and other fab designers!

Tell us – what are you getting for your bridesmaids??

in Advice from Flair / Boston Bridesmaids / Boston Weddings / Bridesmaids Gifts / Stuff We Love / Tips from Pros / Uncategorized 0 comments

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Bridesmaids’ Shoes

Find the perfect pair for your pals

Seeing as Flair is a dress shop, we tend to focus on, well, dresses of course! Even we know, though, that much more goes into a wedding day look than just the dress. From hair and makeup to accessories, it’s these other details that really finalize your look and add a quick pop of personality. One of our favorite details? Shoes! Let’s face it, most of us ladies can happily shoe shop for hours, never tiring and never getting bored. Shoe shopping for a wedding, though, can come with a little more pressure than your average day at the shops. When it comes to bridesmaids’ shoes, there are a few things you brides should consider before you let your girls loose at the mall:

At Flair, most of the shoes that we keep in store for girls to try on are by Nina Shoes. They're super comfortable, affordable, and have tons of heel height, style and color variety!

At Flair, most of the shoes that we keep in store for girls to try on are by Nina Shoes. They’re super comfortable, affordable, and have tons of style, heel height, and color variety!

Uniformity – You probably made a similar decision when it came to your girls’ dresses – to match or not to match? If you really like that clean, matching look, then really the shoe shopping is up to you, not your girls. Find a style you like and give them their marching/shopping orders. If you’re less concerned about them looking the same, consider just telling them a color you prefer and letting them do their own thing!
Style – Even if you’re OK with your girls’ shoes being different, you may still want to consider giving them a little guidance when it comes to their overall shoe vibe. If you say “buy anything you like in black” you risk the chance of getting a wide range of styles. Imagine a glorified flip flop next to a black sparkly pump. Doesn’t really work, right? To avoid that, think about guiding them in the right direction by showing them a few pairs you like, or using descriptive words like “formal sandals” or “patent pumps”; whatever you like!
Height – Some brides hate a kitten heel, while others would die if one of their bridesmaids showed up in a 6 inch heel. Think about where you fall on that spectrum and be honest with your girls before you send them out to shop. If you opted for floor length bridesmaids’ dresses, height is even more important. Have each girl try her dress on with a few pairs she already owns to determine what heel height allows for her dress to just hit the floor. The last thing you want is for a girl’s dress to be that tacky few inches off of the ground!

Tell us – what shoes do you want your girls to wear??

in Boston Bridesmaids / Boston Weddings / Bridesmaids Shoes / Nina Shoes / Stuff We Love / Tips from Pros / Wedding Accessories / Wedding Shoes 0 comments

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Short Wedding Dresses

Short on length, long on style!

I don’t know about you, but this week’s rising temperatures have us stocking up on self tanner and pulling our Spring/Summer clothes out of hibernation. As much as we love them, we’re ready to say au revior to sweaters and scarves and bonjour to sundresses and shorter skirts! Not only does it bring sun and fun, but the warmer weather also signals the beginning of the busy wedding season here in New England. Seeing as how the vast majority of weddings here happen in the hottest months, it makes sense that shorter bridal gowns are getting more and more popular these days! Designers today are creating tons of gorgeous, totally wedding appropriate shorter looks! If you’re thinking of one for your big day, here are some things to consider:

Consider this; Flair has some short cuties from Amy Kuschel, Jenny Yoo and more!

1) One length does not fit all – Wedding dresses don’t just come in two lengths, short and long; there are plenty of choices in between! Just be aware of what length works best on your body type. Generally speaking, knee-length works best on shorter and curvier girls, while taller brides are more apt to pull off a tea length.
2) Remember your venue/theme – Before plunging headfirst into the short dress trend, make sure it fits with your wedding venue and overall theme. As stunning as shorter dresses are these days, they are always going to be a little more casual than their longer counterparts. So, if you’re going for a super formal feel, you might want to think twice about a shorter style (or, get the best of both worlds and opt to just change into one later in the night for dancing!).
3) Understand that your choices will be more limited – Even though more and more designers are creating shorter wedding dresses, they are still in the minority. So, be prepared to have most stores tell you that they only have a few styles to try on. For the less decisive among us, this can be a huge advantage. Less choices means less options to keep you up at night considering!

Once you’ve thought through these points, remember that there are a million great reasons to choose a shorter dress. Most of the time, they are less expensive, they’re often super comfortable, and you can go to the bathroom on your own, just to name a few 🙂

in Advice from Flair / Amy Kuschel / Boston Bridal / Boston Weddings / Bridal Gowns Boston / Jenny Yoo / short wedding dresses / Wedding Dress Shopping Boston 0 comments

{ BLOG }

Look tops with a topper!

Don’t let your “something blue” get you blue!

Find the perfect cherry to top off their look!

See what’s trending in her newest collection!

How to show your guests you care!

Dress to Impress!

Do your homework before your first fitting!

A+ Presents for your Best Girls!

Find the perfect pair for your pals

Short on length, long on style!