Strut Bridal

Backyard Wedding: Here's Your To-Do Timeline

Are you planning a backyard wedding? Whether you're going for an informal, casual BBQ feel or an upscale formal event, you'll want to make sure your backyard is in tip-top shape for guests. Here's a great time line for planning your backyard event:

• A year out: Take a critical look at your backyard and make a list of projects you'll need to complete. Keep in mind that most experts recommend 8 open square feet of space per guests for a seated ceremony and four square feet per guests for a seated one. If you want a dance floor, add another four to five square feet per person. After you complete your project list, start your construction time line and budget.
• 9 to 12 months before: Meet with your local nursery to see which perennial plants will be in season during your wedding. Some plants need to be in the ground a year in advance, while some annuals can be planted just weeks before your event. Some plants can even be rented for the weekend (and these work great for filling in bare areas in the lawn). Think about adding color and texture to the space. Consider adding plants or trees to hide unsightly views (pretty fences work, too!). You may want to also add lighting to create focal points or enhance the ambiance.
• 6 to 8 months before:Book a contractor if you plan to build a patio or a paved aisle. They can also fix cracked cement. Reserve a tent and heaters or fans, plus tables, chairs and linens. Also book your portable toilets. You should have one for every 50 to 75 guests and put them in a shady spot away from food areas.
• 2 to 3 months before: Repair and paint your shed or backdrop (you'll want to have a focal point for your ceremony--bring in an arch if you don't have a good tree, gazebo, etc.). You can also cover the exterior with floral swags, ribbon streamers or banners. If nothing will make it look good, consider moving the shed. You'll need to re-sod the grass that was underneath at this time. You may also want to bring in a lawn care expert to reseed any bare or dry patches in your yard. They can also fix any protruding tree roots, remove low hanging limbs or any trip hazards, and fix holes in the yard.
• 6 to 8 weeks before: Move swing sets, playhouses and old furniture sets into storage. Repair grass underneath.
• 3 to 4 weeks before: Refresh your deck by repairing any lose banisters and slats or steps. Look for cracked boards and protruding nail heads. Consider power-washing or re-staining.
• 3 weeks before: Find a local electrician and plumber whom you can call in an emergency the day of the wedding. Repair any leaky faucets or sticky toilet handles.
• The day before: Mow the lawn. If you fear a bug problem, such as mosquitoes, bring in an exterminator to fog the area.
• Day of: Enjoy!

If you've had a backyard wedding and have additional tips, let us know by leaving a comment on the blog!

 

Sharlot's Eco-Conscious Wedding Dress

When Sharlot came shopping at Strut for her wedding dress, she had just one request: she wanted a wedding gown made of natural fibers for her eco-conscious wedding. This was a tough request because, generally speaking, natural fiber gowns, such as silk, are very expensive so we don't carry many of them. But we were in luck--Sharlot fell in love with a taffeta gown that we could order in silk, just for her.

And what's more, Sharlot found an eco chic photographer for her Northern Arizona wedding. We didn't know such a person existed, but meet Angelina Rose Photography and learn how she incorporates green practices into her wedding photography!

Sharlot and William got married last April in Sharlot's mom's backyard. It was a DIY wedding mixed with natural beauty. Sharlot wore a fitted modified aline wedding gown. It featured a ruched bodice and flared at the skirt. You can see the silk texture in the photo below.

Sharlot and William's colors were vivid purple and green. You can see more of their photos on Angelina's blog post of their wedding day. Below you can see the slight v shaped back and silk covered buttons on Sharlot's gown. We love the really low under-bustle she had added.

We love how Sharlot knew what was important to her on her wedding day, and we were thrilled to be able to customize a wedding gown for her to fit that vision. Best wishes to you both!

15 Wedding Flowers and Their Meanings

If you don't have a favorite flower and are wondering what to choose for your wedding bouquet, consider picking a flower that has a meaning that's significant to you and your beloved. Here are fifteen wedding flowers and their meanings:

1. Aster: patience
2. Azalea: femininity
3. Cornflower: loyalty
4. Chrysanthemum: perfection
5. Daffodil: prosperity and new beginnings
6. Forget-me-not: ensures enduring love
7. Heather: invites good luck and protection
8. Honeysuckle: steadfastness
9. Iris: faith
10. Jasmine: sensuality
11. Lily:purity and virtue
12. Peony: protects against evil spirits
13. Rose: emblem of love
14. Sunflower: devotion
15. Violet: modesty.

Amy's Beach Wedding in a Lace Gown

Recent Strut Bride Amy sent us photos from her wedding with this sweet note:

Dear Ann

Just wanted to share a couple of pictures with you from my wedding last month.  Thank you so much for all your help and making everything so easy.  We were married 8/6 on Coronado beach in California and It was beautiful.  I got so many compliments on my dress. I loved it so much and am actually going next weekend to Sedona to do a after the wedding shoot in Oak Creek Canyon!

 

Amy A.

 

While we love the note of thanks, we're equally excited to see photos of Amy in her wedding gown. Here she is with her groom on the beach. You can see the Hotel Del in the background with its signature red roof.

It looked like a perfect day on the beach for their nuptials! Amy chose a strapless, fitted gown. It featured a lace bodice with lace and tulle overlay on the skirt. We love how it gently moves in the breeze in this shot:

Amy's wedding dress actually came with a matching lace bolero. It covered her shoulders and created a sexy keyhole back. For brides who want upper arm or shoulder coverage and are having a hard time finding a wedding gown with sleeves or straps, we highly recommend this option. See how pretty it looked, with the scalloped edge of the lace framing her face:

Thanks, Amy, for sharing your photos with us. We can't wait to see how you rocked the dress in Sedona!

Fall 2012 Wedding Dress Trend Report

We've returned from the bridal market and couldn't be more excited by the amazing wedding gowns we saw. And, of course, we're thrilled to pass on our wedding dress trend report to brides who can't wait until these gowns are in the store (because it's never too early to start planning!).

Remember, gowns that we've recently ordered will be arriving in stores November '11-February '12. With a 3-5 month lead time for custom orders, these gowns are perfect for brides getting married in fall 2012 and beyond.

Here are the top 2012 wedding dress trends we saw:

1. Textured skirts. Love feather, flowers and flounces? We're excited to report that these textured skirts remain hot. We saw ruffles, flowers of many shapes and sizes (from airy petals to giant swirls), and even a few feathered skirts. These textured skirts are on all silhouettes, from ball gowns to mermaid and trumpet style wedding gowns. Here's one example:

 

2. Tea length. We were pleased to see a bigger variety of tea length gowns. Not all are super poufy and formal, and some are going even a little shorter. We're excited to bring these into our Phoenix store this winter.

3. New colors. We're moving beyond basic white and ivory--this season wedding dress designers showed gowns in blush, champagne, peach, silver, pearl and gold. Our brides have been asking for gowns in colors, like the one below, and we're thrilled to be able to bring them to you!

 4. New fabrics. We have a satin-backed taffeta trumpet gown that gets rave reviews. Brides love the luxurious feeling; we love the variety! Finally wedding dress makers are developing some new fabrics.  We can't wait to show you the new crushed organza from one of our favorite brands. It's the lightweight fabric you love for outdoor weddings without the sheen from regular organza. We promise you'll be wowed!

As always, we've ordered our gowns in curvy girl and plus sizes 12 and up. We've picked the best plus size wedding dresses out there. Give us a call to find your perfect dress! 

 

Stephanne's Classic Ballgown Wedding Dress

Stephanne was another Tucson bride who came to Strut to find her wedding dress. She was married at Reflections at The Buttes in Tucson on September 10th... and sent us photos just a week later! She wrote,

Hi Ann!

I have some pictures to share with you on how FANTASTIC my dress looked at our wedding on 9/10/11.  I wasn't sure how to properly share on Facebook, so please feel free to use however you want. :)

Thanks so much!

-Stephanne

I did include one that has the bustle that my tailor put in - it was really fun.  :o)

Stephanne's colors were black and white. Check out her wedding party--they look so sharp!

 
Stephanne came wedding dress shopping without any idea of what she was looking for. We put her in a variety of silhouettes but ultimately she loved a ballgown wedding dress the best. This was a satin gown with a half-zip and half-corset back bodice. It featured a slight ruched bodice with some pleating on the skirt. What we love the best is the pockets in this gown!

 
We adore her all-rose bouquet! Stephanne had an under-bustle added to her gown. Here's a photo of her wedding dress with bustle, while she and new husband Jared enjoy their first dance:

 
Thanks, Stephanne, for sharing photos of your big day. Best wishes from the girls at Strut!

New Plus Size Panty Line--Meet the Designer!

Every girl has a few splurge items--the pricey boots or jeans, the really nice little black dress, the quality bathing suit that makes you feel like a super star... Well, meet your panty splurge. Introducing beatrix privé, a new line of top-quality thong underwear made just for your curves.

 

beatrix privé makes its national debut with a two-day trunk show at Strut Bridal Salon in Phoenix on Friday, Nov. 4 and Saturday, Nov. 5.

The line features luxury thong underwear created exclusively for women sized 16-20.

“Plus-size women no longer have to choose between ‘Granny Panties’ and ‘Trashy Panties’ ” says beatrix privé design director Jenny Davis, a fashion stylist and lifestyle magazine editor. For two years, Davis worked with real plus-size women to develop a comfortable, flattering and fabulous signature thong underwear design using colorful, luxury materials like silk charmeuse and imported lace.  

The seven colorways in the beatrix privé debut collection, all made in the USA, are limited editions and will not be produced again once they’re sold out.

Davis will personally present the line on Nov. 4 and Nov. 5 during an in-store event from 10 am – 6 pm at Strut Bridal Salon (542 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix, 602- 252-4414). Prices range from $38-$42 with discounts for multiple purchases. The event will also include samples from My Goodness Cakes and custom jewelry from the J. Bond Wedding Collection.

For more information on beatrix privé, visit  www.beatrixprive.com or  www.facebook/beatrixprive

Love Shiny Things? 3 Easy Ways to Bling Up Your Wedding

Weddings can bring out a love for all things shiny in even the most "ungirly" bride, so we thought we'd pass on a few easy ways to bling up your wedding. We love these new Tiffany handbags. They come in a variety of colors so you can coordinate with your wedding colors. Buy one for your wedding day essentials or even for a bridesmaid gift!

 

We really love this super-easy, DIY centerpiece idea. You just take two hurricane candle holders, one larger than the other, and put shiny confetti in between the two. Add a candle and you're done! They use a monochromatic color palette, but you could do an arrangement using each of your wedding colors, or you could mix them all together!

 

Dress up your place settings with these charms turned into napkin rings. You can find little charms at most craft stores, so think about your wedding theme (like the fall leaves, snowflakes, etc.) or a charm that represents something important to the two of you (your love of baseball, a favorite flower, etc.).

 
Adding something with a little shine can really dress up your table with little cost. Leave us a comment for other easy-to-add-shine ideas!

Christina Heads North for a Cool Wedding

Christina came to Strut from Tuscon to find her wedding gown. She said she really wanted a wedding dress with straps, but she wanted it to be simple with no train because they were going out afterward. She was headed north to the cooler climes of Flagstaff, Arizona, and had her wedding at the Little America Hotel and Conference Center. It has miles of Ponderosa pine trees and walking trails.

Here's a photo of Christina and her wedding party:

 
Doesn't she look radiant?! Although Christina originally was thinking about wearing a lace wedding dress, she fell in love with this super lightweight and flowy tulle aline gown. It featured just a bit of beading at the left waist, a subtly ruched bodice, and a corset back. Because it's so hard to find a plus size wedding dress with sleeves or straps, Christina had straps added during alterations.

 
We love the large hair comb she added to her delicate pearl necklace and earring set. Her wedding color, wisteria, shows up in her bridesmaid dresses, flowers, and even the groom's tie and pocket square!

She also sent an email with really kind words:

Hi Ladies, I wanted to thank you all for the wonderful service I received from you salon! I truly felt special and beautiful I received an email recently requesting pictures from my wedding and have attached several to this email. I want to let you know that I will forever sing Strut's praises and will ALWAYS recommend that sexy curvy brides-to-be  go to your salon! Sincerely, Christina F.

Check out Christina's "something blue", which peaks out from underneath her gown:

 

Best wishes to Christina and Kevin!

Save Up to $25 on Bridesmaid and Party Dresses!

We're so excited for our October promotion because not only can you get great savings on bridesmaid and social occasion gowns, but you're helping the community with your donation of gently used dresses. Here's the deal:

• For every dress you donate in October, we'll give you $5 off the purchase of a bridesmaid or party dress
• Donate 2 dresses and save $10 on a dress up to $99
• Donate 3 dresses and save $15 on a dress $100-$149
• Donate 5 dresses and save $25 on a dress $150+.

 

You can bring in any kind of dress, from homecoming and prom gowns to work attire. Social occasion gowns will be donated to The Cinderella Affair, which last year provided 950 prom gowns to low-income Arizona highschoolers. Work appropriate dresses will be donated to Arizona Women's Education and Employment Inc., which has a clothing closet. Women transitioning back into the workforce can pick out free work-appropriate outfits to get them through their first few weeks on the job.

And here at Strut we don't care whose dress you bring in, so raid your mom, sister and bestie's closet to get the maximum savings on the perfect holiday or bachelorette party dress.

Although we specialize in plus size bridesmaid dresses, we can order gowns in all sizes so we can fit all members of your wedding party. Remember, bridesmaid dresses can take up to 14 weeks to order, so spring brides should be ordering NOW!

Final notes: Offer good October 1-31st. Gowns must be purchased at the time of donation and paid in full. Offer cannot be combined with any other discount or offer.