Visit us for the Engaged Bridal Show

Engaged

Sunday, January 29, 2012

2 p.m. – 4p.m. 
Bridal Fashion Show: 3:30 p.m.

Blushing Bride

4632 N. Illinois Street

Fairview Heights, IL 62208

Phone: 618-257-7600

Meet the Best St. Louis Wedding Professionals:

Bridal:  Blushing Bride                                   www.blushingbrideshop.com

Event Design: Aries Company                        www.ariesco.com

Flowers: Sister’s Floral Design Studio            www.sistersflowers.net

Coordination: Proposing Dreams                   www.proposingdreams.com

Hair/Make-up: Studio 9

Millinery: Susanna Designs

Music: Night Magic                                      www.nightmagicentertainment.com

Photography: Alecia Hoyt                             www.aleciahoyt.com

Sweets: The Cup                                          www.cravethecup.com

Tanning: Be Bella Bronze                              www.bebellabronze.com

Plus Much More

Free admittance to the Bride and 1 guest.  All other guests will be asked to make a $10 donation to Wish Upon A Wedding – St. Louis.

Please e-mail or call with your reservation. 618-257-7600 or blushingbride@sbcglobal.net 

Congratulations to Cassandra and Jason

Congratulations to Cassandra...you were such a great and gorgeous bride to work with. From the first time Cassandra walked in to our store, I knew we would develop a great working relationship with each other and I was right....she always trusted us and even let us have some creative control in things. Have fun watching...I know we did...

Cassandra & Jason Deering from Kelsi Scheer - Tara Wellen on Vimeo.

jamie

NEW LOCATION

We moved to our new location this weekend, still trying to unload everything...so if one more girl asks if this is all we have, I think we will scream. We have had the help of 10 adults lifting and moving our contents for over 48 hours and we are tired.

our new information is:
Blushing Bride
4632 N. Illinois St.
Fairview Heights, IL 62208

Phone: 618-257-7600
Fax: 618-257-7601


We hope you understand we are still trying to organize the store and appreciate your understanding.

Congratulations to our Gorgeous Bride Danielle and her new hubby Ricky!

Watch from one of our 9/10/11 Bride's Weddings Same Day-Edit video from Gebbs Media.

Danielle & Ricky- Same Day Edit from GEBBS on Vimeo.

Congratulations Danielle, you were gorgeous as always! Best Wishes to you always!

Pros and Cons of Internet Bridal Gown Shopping

It is a growing trend among brides getting married to purchase their bridal gown, bridesmaids, and many accessories for their wedding on-line. Some to save money, others...because it is easier to search on-line than on-foot.
To our frustration in the bridal salon, we spend hours upon hours of time with these customers who have no intention on purchasing these items in our store, but rather spending their money with someone selling the same item or something similar and disguising it as the real thing with whom they have never even met.
What is mind blowing for us in the bridal industry is that you are paying them upfront for the item before you even see it and in our bridal salon you can see, feel, touch and confirm what you are going to be receiving and we only require a 50% deposit before you are able to see, feel and touch your item when it arrives.

Here are a few tips on ordering anything for your wedding on-line.

1. Make sure it is a reputable company (make sure they have a mailing address, and working telephone number...not just an e-mail address and website).
2. If it sounds too good to be true it probably is. If there is a bridal gown retailing at every store around you for $1000 and you find it online for $700, chances are it is either worn, a damaged sample or a knock off using less than flaterring fabric, beading, not to mention the poor workmanship of making the gown.
3. Don't go shopping in your local bridal salons to try on the gowns, that is rude to the people working to help you look your best. Don't ask for swatches or to see the gowns in person. We carry the gown as a sample for a reason, for customers to see it, if you have no intention on being a customer, then the gown isn't for you to see or try on.
4. Always have a back-up plan if it doesn't work out for you.
5. Don't expect the professionals to pick-up the pieces after it doesn't work out for you, remember you have already wasted our time with your efforts to find the right gown in our store to purchase a knock-off from someone else.
6. While there are many reviews on-line on several different sites, remember that anyone can post those reviews, whether good, bad, or ugly (we have fallen victim to this as many stores do with competitors sabotoging other stores). The only place for reputable reviews is from the BBB. Always check with them to find out about grievances with the company, these are for actual customers to voice their complaints about the company you are will potentially be dealing with for aproximately a year.
7. Help out your local economy, by supporting your local business, you put jobs in your own backyard, not somewhere else.

Hope that helps you figure things out better. Always remeber you get what you pay for.

August Sample/Moving Sale

As Many of you (our customers know) we will be moving in September to a new fabulous location in Fairview Heights. To prepare for the move and to make room for new great bridal gowns, we are having a huge Bridal Gown Sale (really it is a sale to end all sales!). If you are interested please give us a call and see if the gown you want is still available, as I will not be able to delete gowns every day, but I will try to keep it as up to date as possible.

Select Bridesmaids Samples $49.99
Select Mothers Gown Samples $49.99
Select Flower Girl Samples $29.99

Veils, Headpieces, Jewelry, Accessories...all marked down!

We can ship anywhere, so don't be afraid to purchase if we need to send it to you.

Here is the List:

Casablanca Bridal:
Casablanca 1823 White Size 20 Reg. $935 Sale. $607.75
Casablanca 1954 DW Size 18 Reg. $915 Sale. $640.50
Casablanca 1827 Ivory Size 18 Reg. $935 Sale. $654.50
Casablanca DA029 Ivory Size 14 Reg. $900 Sale. $362.50
Casablanca 2007 Ivory Size 16 Reg. $940 Sale. $705.00
Casablanca 1862 Iv/Ch Size 14 Reg. $855 Sale. $555.75
Casablanca 1776 White Size 14 Reg. $855 Sale. $513.00
Casablanca 1942 Iv/ch Size 14 Reg. $990 Sale. $643.50
Casablanca 1961 DW Size 14 Reg. $940 Sale. $658.00
Casablanca 1956 Chmp Size 12 Reg. $965 Sale. $627.25
Casablanca 1924 DW Size 12 Reg. $850 Sale. $595.00
Casablanca 1921 White Size 12 Reg. $815 Sale. $529.75
Casablanca 1840 Ivory Size 12 Reg. $880 Sale. $528.00
Casablanca DA027 DW/Bl Size 10 Reg. $625 Sale. $350.00
Casablanca 1760 Ivory Size 10 Reg. $745 Sale. $447.00
Casablanca 1786 Champ Size 10 Reg. $810 Sale. $486.00
Casablanca 1929 Wh/Si Size 10 Reg. $915 Sale. $457.50
Casablanca 1785 Champ Size 10 Reg. $880 Sale. $528.00
Casablanca 1900 Ivory Size 10 Reg. $990 Sale. $396.00
Casablanca 1836 White Size 10 Reg. $720 Sale. $360.00
Casablanca 1912 Ivory Size 10 Reg. $830 Sale. $498.00
Casablanca 1798 Ivory Size 8 Reg. $745 Sale. $521.50
Casabalnca 1851 Ivory Size 8 Reg. $855 Sale. $513.00
Casablanca 1890 Blush Size 8 Reg. $830 Sale. $498.00
Casablanca 1902 Blush Size 6 Reg. $1065 Sale. $639.00
Casablanca DA024 White Size 6 Reg. $900 Sale. $350.00

Dessy Destination:
Dessy 1002 White Size 8 Reg. $390 Sale. $234.00
Dessy 1005 White Size 10 Reg. $375 Sale. $225.00
Dessy 1006 White Size 10 Reg. $325 Sale. $261.00
Dessy 1007 iv/pa Size 12 Reg. $325 Sale. $252.00
Dessy 1008 Iv Size 10 Reg. $325 Sale. $234.00
Dessy 1013 Iv Size 10 Reg. $450 Sale. $270.00

Jim Hjelm Bridal:
Jim Hjelm 8750J Silk White Size 8 Reg. $3564.00 Sale. $1782.00
Jim Hjelm 8801 Silk Ivory Size 12 Reg. $4290.00 Sale. $2145.00
Jim Hjelm 8805 Silk Ivory Size 12 Reg. $2585.00 Sale. $1292.00
Jim Hjelm 8857 Silk White Size 12 Reg. $2541.00 Sale. $1270.50
Jim Hjelm 8863 Silk Blush Size 12 Reg. $2365.00 Sale. $1182.50

Maggie Sottero Bridal:
Maggie Sottero - Lavina Ivory Size 14 Reg. $1109 Sale. $665.40
Maggie Sottero - Sonya White Size 12 Reg. $599 Sale. $359.40
Maggie Sottero - Ireland White Size 8 Reg. $899 Sale. $539.40
Maggie Sottero - Chantelle Ivory Size 14 Reg. $1169 Sale. $818.30
Maggie Sottero - Summer Ivory Size 12 Reg. $1269 Sale. $761.40
Maggie Sottero - Cassia White Size 10 Reg. $869 Sale. $434.50
Maggie Sottero - Dion Ivory Size 8 Reg. $1109 Sale. $554.50
Maggie Sottero - Payton Ivory Size 6 Reg. $839 Sale. $419.50
Maggie Sottero - Annika Marie White Size 10 Reg. $1269 Sale. $888.30
Maggie Sottero - Talia Iv.G Size 10 Reg. $1179 Sale. $589.50
Maggie Sottero - Tristan White Size 12 Reg. $929 Sale. $464.50
Maggie Sottero - Viera Lt. G Size 12 Reg. $1039 Sale. $519.50
Maggie Sottero - Dallas Marie Lgd/R Size 8 Reg. $689 Sale. $413.40
Maggie Sottero - Yara DW Size 12 Reg. $959 Sale. $479.50
Maggie Sottero - Grace DW Size 12 Reg. $889 Sale. $533.40
Maggie Sottero - Eleanor White Size 8 Reg. $1469 Sale. $734.50
Maggie Sottero - Venecia DW Size 12 Reg. $1579 Sale. $947.40
Maggie Sottero - Kelsey Ivo Size 6 Reg. $668 Sale. $334.00
Maggie Sottero - Kym White Size 10 Reg. $969 Sale. $484.50
Maggie Sottero - Opal Iv.pe Size 10 Reg. $1138 Sale. $569.00
Maggie Sottero - Rosabel Alaba Size 12 Reg. $898 Sale. $449.00

Maggie Destination - AD1006 Ivory Size 12 Reg. $509 Sale. $254.50
Maggie Destination - AD8503 Ivory Size 8 Reg. $449 Sale. $224.50
Maggie Destination - JD1315 White Size 14 Reg. $798 Sale. $518.70
Maggie Destination - RD1086 White Size 12 Reg. $798 Sale. $399.00
Maggie Destination - RD1044 White Size 10 Reg. $789 Sale. $315.60
Maggie Destination - SD5233 DW Size 12 Reg. $669 Sale. $334.50
Maggie Destination - AD3396 Ivory Size 10 Reg. $998 Sale. $598.80

Maggie Limited - LS8111 Ivory Size 10 Reg. $998 Sale. $499.00


Watters Bridal:
Watters 1027B - White size 10 Reg. $1764.00 Sale. $1058.40
Watters 1032B - Ivory Size 6 Reg. $1392.00 Sale. $835.20
Watters 1039B - Ivory Size 10 Reg. $1560.00 Sale. $936.00
Watters 1056B - Ivory Size 10 Reg. $1274.00 Sale. $764.40
Watters 1059B - White Size 10 Reg. $1446.00 Sale. $867.60
Watters 1084B - Egg/S Size 10 Reg. $1944.00 Sale. $1166.40
Watters 2012B - White Size 8 Reg. $1392.00 Sale. $835.20
Watters 3043B - Pearl Size 6 Reg. $628.00 Sale. $199.00
Watters 6043B - White Size 10 Reg. $1722.00 Sale. $861.00
Watters 6085B - Wh.G Size 6 Reg. $1608.00 Sale. $399.00
Watters 7096B - Ivory Size 8 Reg. $1060.00 Sale. $399.00
Watters 8026B - White Size 8 Reg. $1274.00 Sale. $199.00
Watters 8032B - Ivory Size 18 Reg. $394.00 Sale. $159.00
Watters 9008B - Wh.Mi Size 16 Reg. $964.00 Sale. $385.00
Watters 3067B - White Size 10 Reg. $1750.00 Sale. $1050.00
Watters 5299 - Iv/Ap Size 10 Reg. $296.00 Sale. $148.00

Wtoo Bridal:
Wtoo Monique - Ivory Size 8 Reg. $872.50 Sale. $218.12 (no belt)
Wtoo Elise - OffWh Size 10 Reg. $779.00 Sale. $467.40
Wtoo Josephine - Ivory Size 6 Reg. $600.00 Sale. $360.00
Wtoo Madeline - Ivory Size 10 Reg. $1212.50 Sale. $727.50
Wtoo Audrey - White Size 6 Reg. $697.50 Sale. $418.50
Wtoo Bridgette - Ivory Size 10 Reg. $1012.50 Sale. $607.50

Hope you find a great dress!

Watch WE TV tonight for our "Bridezilla", Danyelle

Hope you all will watch our so ever really sweet "Bridezilla" Danyelle. She really was very nice for us to work with and seems like she was just overwhelmed with everyone not helping her and hindering everything she was trying to accomplish. Best Wishes, Always Danyelle!

5 Things to do before you come in to try on Wedding Gowns

Here is a list of 5 Things You Need to Do Before making your bridal appointment:

1. Get Engaged
2. Set A Wedding Date by booking your ceremony and reception site
3. Talk about money, it is always best to find out who is paying for what and how much you can afford. It always makes everything go much smoother.
4. Think about what you want to look like, browse photographer blogs, wedding websites like The Knot and bring along pictures to use for inspiration
5. Call and Book an appointment with a bridal consultant at the Blushing Bride, you will want to ensure that you and your group are comfortable and have plenty of one on one attention to talk about your wedding.

Blushing Bride & Sisters Flowers Partnership

We are happy to welcome aboard Emily and her team at Sisters Flowers. Emily and her staff will be at Blushing Bride on Fridays (more specific dates to come) to answer your questions and also take consultation appointments! If you have any interest, please give us a call so we can start booking Emily and her team.
Just a few photos of Sisters Flowers Work:

For more information visit the Sister's Flowers Website at www.sistersflowers.net

Maggie Sottero Trunk Show Gown List

Below is a listing of the Maggie Sottero Styles we will have her for our Trunk Show on March 11 and 12. Please call to make your appointment to try on these incredible wedding gowns and get a sneak preview of the Spring 2011 Collection that will be available in stores in the coming weeks.
Call 618-628-7800 to make your appointment!
Calista - White Size 6
Barcelona - White Size 6
Saratoga - Alabaster Size 6
Marion - Ivory Size 6
Primavera - White Size 6
Amina - Champagne Mist Size 6
Doreen - Ivory Over French Vanilla Size 6
Rita Marie - Ivory Size 6
Ava - Diamond White Size 6
Prestyn - Ivory Size 6
Bernadette - Ivory Size 6
Mona - White Size 6
Ebony - Diamond White Size 6
Montana - Pearl Size 6
Roxanne - Diamond White Size 6
Nova - Ivory Size 6
Debbie - Diamond White Size 6
Ursula - Alabaster Size 6
Lizette - Diamond White Size 6
Jackie - Ivory Size 6
Madelyn Rose - White Size 6

Maggie Sottero Trunk Show and Bridal Party Specials!

Maggie Sottero Trunk Show March 11 & 12- Make your appointment now!

We have Spring 2011 on order and hopefully those samples will make their way in to us by the end of March or early April.



Current Specials:

Purchase your bridal gown and receive 10% off your bridesmaid order

Purchase your bridal gown and book your tuxedoes and receive 15% off your bridesmaid order.

Tuxedo Specials: 1 free tuxedo with every 5 tuxedo rentals.



New Referral Program-

Purchase your bridal gown from Blushing Bride and refer 6 of your friends to Blushing Bride and get your money back (minus sales tax) when all 6 of your friends purchase their gown from Blushing Bride! Each bride must list your name as a referral when they come for their first visit, we will calculate and tally and inform you when you reach your goal of 6 referrals. All gowns must be purchased within 2 years of your purchase and must be regular priced gowns or trunk show specials.

Open this Sunday for our 1st ever Party!

Blushing Bride is hosting a very special “Bridal Inspired” PartyLite event on Sunday, November 14, 2010 from 2:00 – 4:00pm and we would love for you to attend.
Would you rather spend Sunday afternoon watching football or…
 Getting a relaxing massage
 Getting wedding favor ideas for under $1.50 each
 Getting wedding reception decorating ideas and products
 Getting bridal attendant gift ideas
 Getting home decorating ideas and products
Don’t miss this event, and please by all means feel free to bring a guest or two. Event to be held at:
Blushing Bride
1941 Frank Scott Parkway East
Shiloh, IL 62269

There will be door prizes, special promotional items (like champagne flutes) and plenty of food and drinks, conversation and idea sharing.
Please call us at 618-628-7800 to RSVP.
Sandy, Jamie and Stephanie

15% off your Bridesmaid orders placed on 11/26/2010

Get 15% off Bridesmaids orders (Bride must have purchase her wedding gown to receive the 15% off offer)
Reserve your appointment today, limited availability on Black Friday & Saturday!
Hours Friday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Hours Saturday: 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Call Blushing Bride today to schedule your appoinment 618-628-7800

TenTenTen a look back

Check out the attire pictures at:
Ten/Ten/Ten Wedding Blog

We always love taking a look back

6th Annual Fall Sample Sale

6th Annual Fall Sample Sale
Begins Saturday, October 16 running through the end of the year.
$99, $199, $299, $399, and $599 samples on Bridal Gowns
Bridal Gowns from Designers: Casablanca Bridal, Jim Hjelm, Maggie Sottero, Maggie Sottero Destination, Maggie Sottero Limited, Watters Bridal, and WTooo Bridal.

Special Occasion Dresses on Sale from $29.99
Flower Girl Dresses on Sale from $19.99
Shoes on Sale from $19.99
Veils on Sale from $49.99
Tiaras and Hair Pieces on Sale from $59.99
Jewelry on Sale from $29.99

Come visit us for the best deal in town on all of your bridal wear! Appointments are required on Saturdays to ensure the availability of a consultant and dressing room (no exceptions)

Blushing Bride
1941 Frank Scott Parkway East
Shiloh, IL 62269
618-628-7800
www.blushingbrideshop.com

Wedding Budgets and how to plan $$$$

Budget Planner
A wedding budget is essential for your big day. Here is a suggested amount for each element of your wedding day:
Average St. Louis Wedding cost $25,000 in 2007.
Ceremony - Location fee, marriage license, musician's fees: 3%
Reception - Reception Site, Food, Drinks, Rentals, Cake, Favors: 48%
Attire - Dress, Headpiece/veil, undergarments, accessories: 10%
Rings - His and her rings: 3%
Flowers - Ceremony, bride's bouquets, bridesmaids bouquets: 8%
Music - Ceremony Musicians, Band and/or DJ: 8%
Transportation – Transportation for wedding : 2%
Photography - Photographer and Videographer's fees, albums: 12%
Stationery - Invitations, response cards, thank you notes: 3%
Gifts - Bridesmaid and groomsmen, parents: 3%

To Veil or Not to Veil...that is the question

• Flyaway: This super short style, which hits just above the shoulder, will give you a playful, flirty look. It's most appropriate for daytime weddings and looks best with a simple gown with clean lines, a mini-dress, or a wedding suit. Most are very full and very bridal looking.


• Elbow-length: As the name implies, this veil reaches just to your elbow. It's a sweet, simple style that can work with virtually any wedding gown, although you should pick something a bit longer for a formal evening wedding. This veil length is great for petite brides.

• Fingertip: A veil that falls to your fingertips when your arms lie straight along your sides, this length is perfect for the indecisive bride -- it's dressier than shorter styles but doesn't have all the drama of longer ones.

• Waltz: This type of veil falls between your knees and ankles and, unlike longer veils, it allows you to dance with ease.


• Chapel: A veil that reaches to the floor and extends up to three feet past your hem falls into this category. It's a romantic look that's been growing in popularity for the past few years.

• Cathedral: Think Princess Diana -- yards of tulle extending down the aisle behind you. This is the choice of brides who want to feel like royalty, but keep in mind that it's not a low-maintenance look. You'll need at least one bridesmaid or flower girl to tend to your veil as you enter and exit the ceremony. It looks most appropriate in a grand church or other house of worship, and works only if the aisle you're walking down is a long one.

"Budget Planner
A wedding budget is essential for your big day. Here is a suggested amount for each element of your wedding day:
Average St. Louis Wedding cost $25,000 in 2007.
Ceremony - Location fee, marriage license, musician's fees: 3%
Reception - Reception Site, Food, Drinks, Rentals, Cake, Favors: 48%
Attire - Dress, Headpiece/veil, undergarments, accessories: 10%
Rings - His and her rings: 3%
Flowers - Ceremony, bride's bouquets, bridesmaids bouquets: 8%
Music - Ceremony Musicians, Band and/or DJ: 8%
Transportation – Transportation for wedding : 2%
Photography - Photographer and Videographer's fees, albums: 12%
Stationery - Invitations, response cards, thank you notes: 3%
Gifts - Bridesmaid and groomsmen, parents: 3%"

Dress to Impress...picking your bridal gown color

Picking a dress color can be difficult but the best way to decide which color to choose is your skin tone.

For dark skin tones, white looks great, as does almost any color.

For medium with yellow undertones, pick a dress in off-white to creamy yellow-ivory.

For fair skin with pink undertones, pick an ivory dress.

For medium with yellow-olive undertones, pick a dress in champagne or diamond white.

If none of these suit your needs, pick a dress in a color. Many dresses now are in pinks and blues.

Quick Fixes for your wedding day blunders

It’s your big day and your getting ready to walk down the aisle and you notice a water mark on the front of your dress. What do you do? Panic? Not if you are prepared! Read these tips to know how to handle a potential dress problem.

Water marks: Don’t use a blow dryer! That can cause the stain to spread. Instead use a white towel to blot the excess water. Then use a hand steamer to lift the stain out.


Ink Stain: Use a cotton ball with some hair spray on it and rub lightly on the stain.

Make-up marks: Press club soda into the stain with a cotton ball and use a towel to soak up excess moisture. If the stain is still visible, use chalk or talc to cover it.

Oil stain: Dip a Q-tip into talcum powder or cornstarch and generously put on stain. Wait 15 minutes then dust off the powder with a white towel.


Blood: Easiest to remove before it sets, wet a q-tip with your own saliva and blot on the spot.

Bustle Breakdown: Use extra-large safety pins to hold up a bustle that has broken.