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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

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!

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

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

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

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

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??

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!

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!

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??

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!

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!

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! :)

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!

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?

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!

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!

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!

Wedding Dress Knockoffs

Bride/Buyer Beware!

I was doing a quick Google today, which started like many of my searches, with the words “wedding dress.” Then, Google does that fabulous thing where they fill in the rest of what you might be looking for. Normally I love that feature, except that every symptom I put in seems to always have “cancer” following it, but I digress. So today, Google thought I’d want to see “wedding dress” + “under $100” and it got me thinking. Tons of brides must be searching for that if it made the Google auto-populate list…tons of brides that most likely will end up sorely disappointed. I get it; we all want a bargain, but there are certain times when spending more is totally worth it. Your wedding gown is definitely one of those times! If you’re tempted to explore those bargain sites though (I admit, I’ve done it!), here’s what you should consider before clicking (or, as we recommend, NOT clicking!) “Add to cart”:

Brides Beware is a great resource for those looking to avoid a cheap dress blunder! Plus, it's just fun to look at these crazy bad knockoffs! Photo courtesy of Brides Beware and the Huffington Post

Brides Beware is a great resource for those looking to avoid a cheap dress blunder! Plus, it’s just fun to look at these crazy bad knockoffs! Photo courtesy of Brides Beware and the Huffington Post

Customer service – That low, low price is likely to come with absolutely zero customer support. From start to finish you’ll be on your own. If the gown is lost in transit to you, good luck finding someone to track it down for you. If it doesn’t fit or it has a defect, we have a bad feeling that a warm, understanding person will not be greeting you as you call in a panic. In fact, getting an actual human being to talk to will likely be a feat. Oh, and what happens in the worst case scenario; you’re unhappy and you want your money back? Hahahahaha!
Fabric and embellishment quality – These are often the first things to go in order to cut costs. So while you may receive a dress that in theory looks somewhat like the design in the photo, if it’s made in a cheap fabric or with gaudy bling, does it really matter?
Quality of construction – Sure, there’s a (small) chance that you’ll open the box and be happy with how your gown looks, but a lot more goes into the creation of a wedding dress than just getting the outside appearance just right. Quality designers do a ton of extra work to not only make the dress look great, but feel great, and stay that way for the entire day of your wedding. We’ve heard horror stories of a cheap dress literally unraveling before the “I do’s”; don’t let that be you!

So, when it comes to wedding dresses, think of them like sushi. Sure, you can find it cheap, but is it worth the stomachache?

Wedding and Bridesmaids’ Dress Sizing

Don’t fear the measuring tape!

We see countless brides and bridesmaids in the store, and each one is unique. One thing they all have in common, though, is a fear of the dreaded measuring tape. It doesn’t matter how fit or confident a girl is, when we pull it out everyone has the same response – yuck! We get it; it’s not fun to have a virtual stranger pull that tape around you and then ::gasp:: discuss your numbers with you! Unfortunately, though, we can’t do away with it because it’s an essential part of the dress buying process, and ensures that you get the best fitting garment possible. We’ve found that learning about potentially nerve-wracking things tends to make them less scary, though, so today we’re going to go over every little detail of the sizing process. Here’s what you can expect:
Who: Everyone – no one is immune to the sizing process! Even if you fit well into a sample dress in the store, we’ll likely still take your measurements. The dresses in the store tend to get stretched out from being tried on so often, and are therefore no longer an accurate representation of their size.
What: Here’s what we’ll use – a soft, flexible measuring tape and the designer’s size chart; that’s it! What you should bring: a tighter fitting outfit and your beautiful self! Bulky, loose clothing is harder for us to measure around and may affect your measurements. Bonus points if you bring: an open mind! Sizes in the wedding world don’t always line up with ready to wear sizes, so don’t be alarmed/surprised if we mention a number that you’re not used to wearing.
Where: With us, ideally! Of course, if you can’t make it to the store there are other places you can get your measurements done, but with our knowledge of the dresses/fit, we prefer to measure as many people in house as we can. In the event that you have to be measured elsewhere, just be sure that it’s a reputable, knowledgeable place. We suggest trying a tailor, bra shop, or other specialty clothing store that is used to measuring customers.
When: We typically start the sizing process once you’ve settled on a particular dress/designer that you like best. Each designer has a unique size chart so it helps to have a focus before we measure. Non-local brides and bridesmaids take note, though – if you don’t live in the area and may not be back for any follow up appointments, let us know and we can take your measurements earlier in the process to save you time/stress down the line.
Why: Well, duh. You need the best fitting dress possible!

A handy dandy guide/infographic for those of you preparing to get sized :)

A handy dandy guide/infographic for those of you preparing to get sized 🙂

How: Here’s how it goes down. Most of the time, just three simple measurements are all we need; bust, waist and hip (for some bridal gowns, though, we may take more). We’ll take around the fullest part of your bust, the narrowest part of your waist (i.e. where your natural waist dips in a little), and the fullest part of your hip (yup, your butt). Then, we’ll explain where your measurements fall on the designer’s size chart. Most girls tend to be all over the place, so we often recommend ordering for your largest measurement; you can always take the dress in! Ultimately, though, it’s your dress and therefore the final size decision is yours. Be ready to make a decision and come prepared with any size related questions you may have for us. We’re always here to help!

See/measure you soon 😉

Wedding Veil Styles

The icing on the bridal cake!

I never know where I’ll find inspiration for the blog. Sometimes it’s something I saw on TV, other times it’s food (yes, I can relate even food back to weddings!), but most of the time it’s our brides! This week we received a photo from one of our bride’s wedding days, and it was just a perfect, shining example of why you wear a veil. Check it out:

Our bride Shannon and her new husband Chuck just ooze love; we're swooning! AMAZING photo courtesy of the fab Sarah Dickenson Photography

Our bride Shannon and her new husband Chuck just ooze love; we’re swooning! AMAZING photo courtesy of the fab Sarah Dickenson Photography

Seriously, how stunning is that? Today, when wedding traditions of the past are getting left behind more and more, we really hope that veils never go by the wayside. I have a feeling that photos like this will keep them in fashion for years to come! If we’ve convinced you to consider team veil, here’s what you need to know when it comes time to shop for yours:
Length: It’s not just long and short!
Birdcage – A small piece of material that just covers about half of the face (usually the eyes). Ideal for a vintage look!
Shoulder length, elbow length, waist length, fingertip length, and knee length – These are pretty self-explanatory, right? These shorter veils are something to consider if your gown has a great deal of detail at the skirt that you may not want to “fight” with.
Floor length – This veil just hits the floor, and has no train.
Chapel length – The first veil with a train, chapel length extends no more than 3 feet beyond the hem of the dress. Perfect for the bride looking for “length light.”
Cathedral length – Going for drama? Cathedral is your girl! With more than 3 feet of train, this veil is ideal for a formal wedding, but may be tricky outdoors.
Trim: i.e. what covers the edge of your veil. Don’t want trim? Consider a cut edge veil, that is trim-free and just has a clean edge.
Beading – Whether it’s crystals, beads, or pearls, this edging is the perfect way to add some sparkle to your look. Just be forewarned that this veil edge often comes with a bigger price tag.

All of the below veil trim photos are courtesy of Flair's fab veil designer, Illusions bridal :)

All of the below veil trim photos are courtesy of Flair’s fab veil designer, Illusions bridal 🙂

Cording – This option gives a rolled edge look to our veil. Delicate and generally not expensive!

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Lace – This is an obvious one, right? You can’t go wrong with lace, it’s oh so bridal, but just be prepared that it can also can be oh so pricey.

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Ribbon – An affordable way to add a little texture to the edge of your veil! Often available either sheer or shiny, and in various ribbon widths. A classic option!

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Soutache – Subtle and chic, soutache basically means tight stitching on the edge of your veil. If you want a minimal look but something more than a cut edge, this is a great option!

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Give us a ring when you’re ready to shop for your veil, we’re happy to walk you through it 🙂

Wedding Dress Styles

Get silhouette smart!

I am all about research and preparation. If I’m going to a new restaurant, I head to Yelp first to get the low down (of course, taking everything with a grain of salt – Yelp always has a few unnecessarily rough reviews)! If I’m driving somewhere new, hitting up Google Maps in advance helps me find the best route. Back in school, I used to relish in my perfectly organized and highlighted notes. So yeah, long story short, I’m a big nerd. Another time that dorkiness came in handy was when it came time to shop for my bridal gown. I had magazine cut outs (I shopped in 2010 PP – Pre-Pinterest) and my buzz words ready to go. For me those words were “mermaid”, “fit and flare”, and “texture.” Most brides, though, don’t come armed with my prior knowledge of all things bridal; I had already been working for Flair for a couple of years at that point. So, for today’s blog we’re going to do a brief overview of the main bridal gown silhouettes so that all of you can head into your appointments with your fit buzz words at the ready!
1) Mermaid – Much as its name implies, a mermaid gown tends to be very fitted through about the knee, then it flares out in a dramatic, tail-like fashion…just picture a pretty, not at all oceany tail. This is a good choice for the bride who is looking for a sexy, fitted style, and one who doesn’t mind a more restricting, tight feel.
This gown is probably not for: The bride who is self-conscious of her hips. A mermaid gown puts your hips on display, so be ready to rock them!

"Bianca" from Blush by Hayley Paige is fitted and fab! An ideal mermaid :)

“Bianca” from Blush by Hayley Paige is fitted and fab! An ideal mermaid 🙂

2) Fit and Flare – If you like the idea of a mermaid but want to take it down a notch, then a fit and flare gown may be your best bet. Sometimes called a trumpet gown, this style is also fitted with a flare at the bottom (hense the name), but unlike the mermaid the flare is a little less pronounced/dramatic and tends to hit below the knee.
This gown is probably not for: The bride looking for an uber fitted look/feel. Fit and flares are not designed to be skin-tight!

Tara Keely style #TK2411 perfectly showcases a fit and flare! Her subtle flare and snug, not too tight, fit are perfection!

Tara Keely style #TK2411 perfectly showcases a fit and flare! Her subtle flare and snug, not too tight, fit are perfection!

3) Ballgown – You know our girl Cinderalla? She wore a ballgown. So, if you want to create your own princess look you should take a cue from her! Ballgowns typically have a fitted top that sits at the natural waist and then poofs out in the fullest, most voluminous skirt on the bridal market.
This gown is probably not for: The shorter bride. Generally, the fuller the dress, the shorter they make you appear.

New to Flair, Hayley Paige's Decklyn gown screams "modern ballgown"!

New to Flair, Hayley Paige’s Decklyn gown screams “modern ballgown”!

4) A-line – If you like the fullness that a ballgown has, but don’t want to take it quite that big, then you should definitely try an a-line gown. Similar to a ballgown, a-lines usually have a fitted top/waist and then a full skirt. A-lines, however, generally lack the layers upon layers of tulle underneath the skirt, which makes the skirt full but not nearly as much so as a ballgown.
This gown is probably not for: The bride looking to make a huge statement. A-line gowns tend to lean towards the more subdued side of the bridal gown spectrum.

Amy Kuschel's Daffodil gown is the perfect example of an a-line; a full skirt but not huge!

Amy Kuschel’s Daffodil gown is the perfect example of an a-line; a full skirt but not huge!

5) Sheath – If simplicity is your game, then sheaths are for you! Straight, sleek and clean, these gowns typically come without the weighty trappings of other silhouettes. There is little volume in the skirt and generally no train, so if you’re looking for comfort above all else then you should definitely give these a try!
This gown is probably not for: The bride who wants to hide her tummy. Sheaths tend to cling to the body and almost always require a shaper underneath, so be ready for that!

Meet Amy Kuschel's Ginger - sleek, chic, and timeless!

Meet Amy Kuschel’s Ginger – sleek, chic, and timeless!

Once you know your desired style/fit, it’s time to consider the length. Most brides these days are still opting for the traditional floor length, but if you’re looking for something a little more unique and modern, you can always go for a tea-length (typically mid-calf) or knee-length design.

What do you think?? Feel prepared to head into your gown appointments? It’s not as overwhelming as you may think, and if you go to a top-notch boutique (coughFLAIRcough) the consultants are always there to help! Happy shopping 🙂