Author: Sinders Bridal House

Categories
Advice Dress Shopping News Wedding Planning

Wedding Planning Timelines

Letters to the newly engaged bride.

Congratulations on your engagement! Such an exciting time and there can be so many questions. Not to worry, we’ve been helping brides find their wedding gowns, and have been involved in weddings for over 20 years. We’re here to answer all the questions you have – even if it isn’t related to bridal gowns!

Sinders Bridal House has been in it’s Ottawa, Ontario location since 1987 and over the years we have had the pleasure of working with so many wedding professionals. It’s common for us, once the wedding season is over, to get together, lean into our creative sides, and work on a styled shoot. This gives us the opportunity to meet new people in our industry, but it also lets us share beautiful pictures with our followers, all created from our own imaginations.

What should my first step be?

Often from talking with our brides we hear that the first step is picking your venue. This has split recently considering post-pandemic weddings have branched out to include all sorts of different venues. If you plan to use a popular venue, if you really want to get married on a peak day like a Saturday or Sunday, or if you have one specific date in mind that absolutely has to be your wedding day. Then you should expect at least a year wait before your wedding can happen and the venue will need to be the first thing you plan because that will be your main starting point.

If you’re open to alternate solutions, or always loved the idea of getting married in your own backyard, then the venue will not likely be your biggest time constraint. At this point, you already have a partially formed idea of where you plan to have your wedding so you know the vibe you’re aiming for. This means your timelines might be more restricted by which piece is more important to your wedding day – wedding photographer, florist, or entertainment. And you can move forward even with separate steps even if you don’t have an exact date booked.

Secondary first steps…

We believe that the most important pieces of your wedding day – other than you and your fiancée(e)! – are the wedding photographer and your wedding gown. After all, those are the pieces that will create your memories that you will see hanging on your walls or posted on your social media for the rest of your life. Always read reviews when choosing your wedding photographer, but even more so, look through their portfolio to make sure that they match the look you want to have in your memories. Each photographer has a certain way they capture their images and a certain colour spectrum they work within. Are you looking for crisp colourful photos? Or what about black and white? Or blown out, or editorial style, or a bigger emphasis on candids? Always do your research on the photographers in your area, find a few in your style, then make an appointment to meet them. Honestly, they want to know that you will be a match personally just as much as you do. You both want to be sure that you’re on the same page from day one, so take this one seriously and you’ll love the visual memories you come away with.

Florists have busier seasons like all wedding professionals, but they also work within the constraints of which flowers and greenery are available at any given season. If you have your heart set on a specific flower or a certain colour scheme then it’s best to get input from the experts in this field so that you can book your wedding day within the correct time frame.

Entertainment. Meaning anything from a DJ to a live band to aerialists. This can be a pivotal part of your wedding day, or something that is extremely special to you as a couple. The more particular you get the more it will impact your timeline so find out when they are available early on before booking other professionals.

How finding your wedding dress fits into the timeline you have available.

When a bride asks us about timelines the simplest answer is that we love to be able to order your gown 9-12 months ahead of your wedding day. This gives us room to breathe in the delivery process, as well as several months on the end for alterations to your wedding gown. Though that is the dream timing for us, we always have to mention that whatever timeline you have is the ideal timeline to find a gown. The shortest timeline we have ever worked with is one week. No, I’m not pulling your leg. We look at it as ‘where there’s a will, there’s a way’. Thankfully we also work with some incredible designers who have helped us out by working their magic to get a bride her gown on an impossible timeline. These are more stressful, not just for us, but for you (our bride) as well. We are nothing but grateful to the brides who place absolute trust in us in these situations. But please give as much time as you can to order your gown so that you know this vital piece is taken care of and will not be the cause of extra stress leading up to your wedding.

In the end, the best place to start is the part of your wedding that is the most important to you. Take some time to picture what you want your day to look like. Picture you in your gown, your groom in his suit, or your bride in her gown/suit. Picture your surroundings, and picture the overall plan of what you and your guests will do throughout the day or evening. Then discuss with your partner which aspects are the most important for both of you. From there you’ll have a short list of things to focus on – a starting point.

Good luck and remember. If you have questions or are looking for suggestions we love to help! It’s an honour for us to be involved in your wedding day and we love to share our knowledge and experience with our brides!

Categories
Dress Shopping News

Why Peterborough?

Why Peterborough?

Since finalizing our decision in the summer of 2022 this has been one of the most asked questions about our second shop ‘Sinders Bridal House Peterborough’. Our current followers along with the residents of Peterborough all want to know – why did we choose to open our second bridal shop in this particular town. Why was this the next place in our adventure that we would choose to help brides find their wedding dress. It’s not one simple answer so let me elaborate on a few of our personal reasons along with those based in the needs of our industry.

Our flagship store, is located just outside of Ottawa in a small town called Carleton Place. This town is our home, it’s where we grew up, and where we are currently raising our families. Believe me when I say, our shop, our business, Sinders Bridal as a whole, it is a part of our family. We honestly look at it as one of our children after having learned from it and watched it grow the way we have. While the town of Carleton Place is fairly small (growing but still small!) it has always had this beautiful hometown feel. That feel you find in a small town where the residents all know each other and we genuinely realize the benefits of living close to, but just outside of, a city. A love for the outdoors that you can’t explain but you know you’re lucky to have waterways and walking paths everywhere you look. A long explanation to say that this was one of the biggest deciding factors. The town of Peterborough is obviously much larger, but they have managed to keep the similar feel of a small town. In the downtown core on George Street North where Sinders Bridal House Peterborough has made it’s home we’ve been so warmly welcomed by our neighbours. We’re surrounded by some incredible restaurants and coffee shops, and it’s incredible when we go into their shop how much they’ve been following our progress when renovating and how we’re doing now that we’re open.

If you haven’t seen our building, or if you’re not following on social media yet (you should!) then you might not know we have a slight obsession with antique buildings. Our flagship shop has always and will always be in a Victorian home, complete with beautiful heritage features. Major plus is the privacy this gives each of our brides since every single bride has her own change room and her own viewing room. Complete privacy even on a busy day. These were extremely important factors for us to find in a second building because to us it’s a part of who we are, the quirks of the building and the love of a private experience. It took time, almost a year before we felt we were ready and had found the right location. But come on – amazing heritage building, more windows than walls, bright, welcoming, beautiful. It took some work because it didn’t come with the privacy we wanted, but we’re nothing if not committed to a vision! Build some walls, lots of paint, and help from a local window washer, we couldn’t be more proud of our second home.

Now, I have to admit, I had a previous bias. Having the town feel a bit like home was one of the reasons I chose to attend Sir Sanford Fleming College Peterborough campus many years ago. I wasn’t one to leave home easily so that similarity put me at ease for my first move into the real world of college and semi-adult life. Many years later as a business owner considering a second location, familiarity had a lot to do with the end result from a personal perspective. From a business perspective… the proximity to the Greater Toronto Area, the pandemic creating growth in smaller towns, a warm welcome from a current bridal shop who wanted to retire. It’s like the answer was staring us in the face. Not to say it was easy, rarely are business decisions ‘easy’ but wait for those click moments where everything seems to fit into place and it’s like you were working toward this all along, you just didn’t now it yet.

Remember when I mentioned the amount of learning we’ve done since entering the business world? I like to think it gave us a great understanding of what would help Sinders Bridal House Peterborough become a huge success. We never hide the fact that our entire goal is to reach as many brides as possible, to create beauty and love, and most of all body positivity. We could not be happier to have the opportunity to give our kind of service – the Sinders Experience – to brides in the Peterborough area. And the feedback we’ve had from our brides so far has been incredible to hear.

We hope to see you soon, and if you aren’t looking for a wedding gown of your own make sure you pass along our name to someone who is!

Why Peterborough?

Since finalizing our decision in the summer of 2022 this has been one of the most asked questions about our second shop ‘Sinders Bridal House Peterborough’. Our current followers along with the residents of Peterborough all want to know – why did we choose to open our second bridal shop in this particular town. Why was this the next place in our adventure that we would choose to help brides find their wedding dress. It’s not one simple answer so let me elaborate on a few of our personal reasons along with those based in the needs of our industry.

Our flagship store, is located just outside of Ottawa in a small town called Carleton Place. This town is our home, it’s where we grew up, and where we are currently raising our families. Believe me when I say, our shop, our business, Sinders Bridal as a whole, it is a part of our family. We honestly look at it as one of our children after having learned from it and watched it grow the way we have. While the town of Carleton Place is fairly small (growing but still small!) it has always had this beautiful hometown feel. That feel you find in a small town where the residents all know each other and we genuinely realize the benefits of living close to, but just outside of, a city. A love for the outdoors that you can’t explain but you know you’re lucky to have waterways and walking paths everywhere you look. A long explanation to say that this was one of the biggest deciding factors. The town of Peterborough is obviously much larger, but they have managed to keep the similar feel of a small town. In the downtown core on George Street North where Sinders Bridal House Peterborough has made it’s home we’ve been so warmly welcomed by our neighbours. We’re surrounded by some incredible restaurants and coffee shops, and it’s incredible when we go into their shop how much they’ve been following our progress when renovating and how we’re doing now that we’re open.

If you haven’t seen our building, or if you’re not following on social media yet (you should!) then you might not know we have a slight obsession with antique buildings. Our flagship shop has always and will always be in a Victorian home, complete with beautiful heritage features. Major plus is the privacy this gives each of our brides since every single bride has her own change room and her own viewing room. Complete privacy even on a busy day. These were extremely important factors for us to find in a second building because to us it’s a part of who we are, the quirks of the building and the love of a private experience. It took time, almost a year before we felt we were ready and had found the right location. But come on – amazing heritage building, more windows than walls, bright, welcoming, beautiful. It took some work because it didn’t come with the privacy we wanted, but we’re nothing if not committed to a vision! Build some walls, lots of paint, and help from a local window washer, we couldn’t be more proud of our second home.

Now, I have to admit, I had a previous bias. Having the town feel a bit like home was one of the reasons I chose to attend Sir Sanford Fleming College Peterborough campus many years ago. I wasn’t one to leave home easily so that similarity put me at ease for my first move into the real world of college and semi-adult life. Many years later as a business owner considering a second location, familiarity had a lot to do with the end result from a personal perspective. From a business perspective… the proximity to the Greater Toronto Area, the pandemic creating growth in smaller towns, a warm welcome from a current bridal shop who wanted to retire. It’s like the answer was staring us in the face. Not to say it was easy, rarely are business decisions ‘easy’ but wait for those click moments where everything seems to fit into place and it’s like you were working toward this all along, you just didn’t now it yet.

Remember when I mentioned the amount of learning we’ve done since entering the business world? I like to think it gave us a great understanding of what would help Sinders Bridal House Peterborough become a huge success. We never hide the fact that our entire goal is to reach as many brides as possible, to create beauty and love, and most of all body positivity. We could not be happier to have the opportunity to give our kind of service – the Sinders Experience – to brides in the Peterborough area. And the feedback we’ve had from our brides so far has been incredible to hear.

We hope to see you soon, and if you aren’t looking for a wedding gown of your own make sure you pass along our name to someone who is!

Why Peterborough?

Since finalizing our decision in the summer of 2022 this has been one of the most asked questions about our second shop ‘Sinders Bridal House Peterborough’. Our current followers along with the residents of Peterborough all want to know – why did we choose to open our second bridal shop in this particular town. Why was this the next place in our adventure that we would choose to help brides find their wedding dress. It’s not one simple answer so let me elaborate on a few of our personal reasons along with those based in the needs of our industry.

Our flagship store, is located just outside of Ottawa in a small town called Carleton Place. This town is our home, it’s where we grew up, and where we are currently raising our families. Believe me when I say, our shop, our business, Sinders Bridal as a whole, it is a part of our family. We honestly look at it as one of our children after having learned from it and watched it grow the way we have. While the town of Carleton Place is fairly small (growing but still small!) it has always had this beautiful hometown feel. That feel you find in a small town where the residents all know each other and we genuinely realize the benefits of living close to, but just outside of, a city. A love for the outdoors that you can’t explain but you know you’re lucky to have waterways and walking paths everywhere you look. A long explanation to say that this was one of the biggest deciding factors. The town of Peterborough is obviously much larger, but they have managed to keep the similar feel of a small town. In the downtown core on George Street North where Sinders Bridal House Peterborough has made it’s home we’ve been so warmly welcomed by our neighbours. We’re surrounded by some incredible restaurants and coffee shops, and it’s incredible when we go into their shop how much they’ve been following our progress when renovating and how we’re doing now that we’re open.

Book Your Appointment at Peterborough

If you haven’t seen our building, or if you’re not following on social media yet (you should!) then you might not know we have a slight obsession with antique buildings. Our flagship shop has always and will always be in a Victorian home, complete with beautiful heritage features. Major plus is the privacy this gives each of our brides since every single bride has her own change room and her own viewing room. Complete privacy even on a busy day. These were extremely important factors for us to find in a second building because to us it’s a part of who we are, the quirks of the building and the love of a private experience. It took time, almost a year before we felt we were ready and had found the right location. But come on – amazing heritage building, more windows than walls, bright, welcoming, beautiful. It took some work because it didn’t come with the privacy we wanted, but we’re nothing if not committed to a vision! Build some walls, lots of paint, and help from a local window washer, we couldn’t be more proud of our second home.

 

Now, I have to admit, I had a previous bias. Having the town feel a bit like home was one of the reasons I chose to attend Sir Sanford Fleming College Peterborough campus many years ago. I wasn’t one to leave home easily so that similarity put me at ease for my first move into the real world of college and semi-adult life. Many years later as a business owner considering a second location, familiarity had a lot to do with the end result from a personal perspective. From a business perspective… the proximity to the Greater Toronto Area, the pandemic creating growth in smaller towns, a warm welcome from a current bridal shop who wanted to retire. It’s like the answer was staring us in the face. Not to say it was easy, rarely are business decisions ‘easy’ but wait for those click moments where everything seems to fit into place and it’s like you were working toward this all along, you just didn’t now it yet.

 

Remember when I mentioned the amount of learning we’ve done since entering the business world? I like to think it gave us a great understanding of what would help Sinders Bridal House Peterborough become a huge success. We never hide the fact that our entire goal is to reach as many brides as possible, to create beauty and love, and most of all body positivity. We could not be happier to have the opportunity to give our kind of service – the Sinders Experience – to brides in the Peterborough area. And the feedback we’ve had from our brides so far has been incredible to hear.

 

We hope to see you soon, and if you aren’t looking for a wedding gown of your own make sure you pass along our name to someone who is!

Categories
Advice Wedding Dresses Wedding Planning

Wedding Dress Timelines

Let’s talk wedding dress timelines.

Now that we are launching into our busy season here at Sinders, we’ve had a lot of questions on timelines. So that brings forth the tell-tale question:

“When SHOULD you be starting your journey on finding your wedding gown?”

Well, the truth is – it depends.

On average, wedding dresses can take between 6-9 months to order. This is of course paired with manufacturing, shipping, receiving, customization, accessorizing and general alterations. It can result in a recommended start date of up to 12 months before your desired wedding date.

Before you hit the panic button, we are going to help break down those factors for you. That way, you can be ready to hit the ground running when the time comes.

Here are the top 7 things to consider when crafting your wedding dress timeline:

1. What is your wedding vision?

Before we get into the nitty gritty of what goes into the creation of a garment, let us first start at the beginning.

It is no surprise that the minute you become engaged, an overwhelming number of questions start to pop into your head. Some of which you might not have considered when it comes to planning a wedding.

Location. Time of year. Guest list. Theme. Wedding party. Décor.

It can be a lot to think about.

BUT – these things are all integral pieces to solidifying your wedding vision and ultimately understanding what you may be looking for in a wedding dress.

You might have always envisioned yourself in a beautiful ballgown. Or a sweeping train. Heck maybe even satin ensemble.

Will this be what you may end up falling for?

Perhaps not.

But having an idea of your likes and dislikes are a great starting point.  Especially when knowing what type of timeline you will find yourself on when shopping for your dress. And even more so if this might include customizations.

2. What is the difference in dress designers?

A large reason that we provide such a wide timeframe when talking about timelines is due to the difference in designers we carry.

Simply put, no two designers are the same.

We don’t know which wedding dress that you are likely to say ‘yes’ to. So, it is extremely difficult for us to say exactly what your timeline should look like.

Rest assured though; each designer works diligently to ensure that your gown arrives nothing short of everything you imagined!

Beyond that, our talented team of stylists are here to help make your shopping experience seamless and extraordinary!

If you have your eye on a particular designer before starting your shopping journey, do not hesitate to contact us with any questions!

3. How many appointments are too many?

Far too often, we hear of brides having gone to dozens of stores, tried hundreds of wedding dresses and feel absolutely overwhelmed with the thought of having to choose. Or, brides so overpacked with appointment after appointment, that they don’t truly get the opportunity to live in the moment when they find the gown that beats them all!

We are by no means saying that going to a few different stores is a bad idea.

In fact, we suggest selecting even 2-3 of your favourite stores to really maximize your shopping experience. Go ahead – discover your style and explore your options!

Just do not overdo it!

We promise you after dozens of dresses and multiple appointments, it will start to become much more difficult to make a confident and informed decision. Plus, if you are someone who finds it difficult making daily decisions, this fact will only be magnified when trying on an abundance of gowns.

So, when shopping for your wedding dress trust the opinions of those around you. Your entourage, your stylist and most importantly – yourself. The joy and exuberance you feel when finally putting on ‘your dress’ should not be lost in the hustle and bustle of traffic.

If you know in your heart of hearts that you want to explore your options – do it!

In fact, consider making each of your selected stores a unique destination. Each store you visit will have its’ own unique atmosphere, selection, and ambiance. So let yourself enjoy them!

Do your research ahead of time. That way, you can go into each and every appointment prepared and know that you could very well walk out with your perfect dress!

Oh, and when you are ready to make your appointment with Sinders Bridal, let us be your final destination of course ;). 

4. Are there any external factors that could be impacting the industry?

You might be thinking, what the heck does this have to do with my shopping timeline?

The answer is quite a bit.

As we have seen over these past two years, our ecosystem is fragile. From mandated closures to capacity limits, and wedding postponements to shipping delays. We can never know what the future holds for our brides or the industry. So timelines become even more important.

If you have the time – consider working some wiggle room into your timeline. We promise you, the last thing you want to be when shopping for your dress is stressed out.

Not sure if your timeline will work? Give us a call. We can help you work through your timeline and make sure you are dressed and ready for your big day!

5. What goes into making the physical wedding gown?

This might seem implied, but give yourself time when shopping. Let the magic of your dress happen. Although it is completely possible to walk out of the store with a dress in your hand – more often than not, your journey is just beginning.

In fact – your dress can take 6-9 months to make its journey from your initial deposit to walking down the aisle.

From production and manufacturing to shipping and delivery. Your wedding dress takes months before arriving back at our boutique. From there, our dedicated quality control group will receive your gown, thoroughly checking each and every aspect of your gown. From seams to clasps and intricate beadwork. It is our job to be meticulous and ensure that your gown ready from top to bottom.

Once you’ve received your call and are able to come meet your dress – it is time to prepare for alterations. Depending on the amount of customizations you have gone with, alterations can take anywhere from 3-4 months to complete.

Add in shopping for accessories and some buffer room for yourself and we have quite a timeline!

Note: It felt wrong to not mention the incredible work that also goes into our custom wedding veils. Many of our veils at Sinders Bridal are hand-made with intricate beading and matching lacework that can take upwards of 5-6 months to complete. The last thing you want is to say yes to your dress and not give yourself enough time to find your perfect veil. Keep this in mind when creating your wedding timeline.  

6. What services do your chosen bridal boutiques offer?

Understanding what services are offered at your chosen bridal boutiques can have a large influence on your timeline.

Will you have the time needed to make the decision? Are you able to bring the number of guests you desire? Do they offer alterations and customizations?

The bottom line is every bridal boutique you visit will have the bread and butter of what you’re looking for (a wedding dress). Finding the right boutiques that have the offerings you are looking for can be the difference between weeks or months added to your timeline.

For the sake of an example, let’s say you are looking for a jaw-dropping train on your wedding dress.

Now, there is an excellent selection of wedding dresses on the market today that would be the perfect selection for your wedding day! Many options can be found both in-person or online. Each can be an incredible choice that will have little impact on your shopping timeline.

However, let’s say that having this train is non-negotiable.

If having a piece that’s your specific taste and style preferences is important, do not be surprised by a longer timeline. Finding that exact dress without having customization can be extremely difficult. You may find yourself at multiple appointments. With hundreds of gowns. All before realizing what you want may not exist on the market.

Enter customizations.

Customizations, although more time intensive, require skill and expertise of a dedicated team. A team who not only has familiarity with wedding dresses, but with your specific gown.

In this specific example, finding a bridal boutique that has a dedicated alterations team is important. A team experienced with the dresses can be the difference of dozens of headaches and one smooth and seamless shopping experience.  

Do your research. 

Choosing the correct stores for the experiences you want can ensure that your piece comes out as a perfect representation and reflection of who you are.

Did we mention at Sinders Bridal, you get exclusive access to Ottawa’s premiere seamstresses? 

7. Are you on a condensed timeline?

Okay, so we’ve given you what seems like a dozen reasons to give yourself as much time as possible when starting wedding dress shopping. You might be thinking, “Oh crap, I do not have that much time – I will never find a dress!”.  

That is certainly not the case.

Although more often than not the dresses are ordered – that does not mean that you can’t find a dress on a tight timeline.

Maybe you chose to have a short engagement. Or something has accelerated your plans and suddenly your day is fast approaching.

Enter sample gowns.

Yes, you heard us correctly. You can buy sample gowns right off the floor and walk out of a bridal store with your dress in hand!

Okay, okay, okay.

The options when going this route might be a little more limited, but where there is a will, we will find a way! In fact, there are often hundreds of sample gowns on the floor at one time, so rest assured that your gown is out there.

—

Let’s get real.

What is most important is to give yourself time, and know in your heart what feels right to you. Because, we could go on and on when it comes to talking timelines.

The moral of the story is – the longer your timeline, the less stressful. In the end, it isn’t our wedding day.

But… maybe consider making us your last stop.

Have your ‘Say Yes’ moment with Sinders. 

We will be behind you every step of the way. To inform you, provide for you, cheer you on and help you thrive. From the moment you walk in the doors, to the final fitting before your big day. Because when you become a Sinders bride, you become family. Every step of your engagement!

So go out there and shine beautiful.

 

Until next time,

The Sinders Team

 

Categories
Advice Trends

Sinders Take on 2022 Bridal Trends

Let’s talk about bridal trends.

Whether it was bell-bottom jeans or shoulder-pads, velour tracksuits or tiny sunglasses… we have all been a victim of fashion trends throughout the ages. And no matter what side of fashion we end up on, there will always be joy in predicting what will re-emerge (or in some cases debut!) in the months ahead! 

That is why we at Sinders wanted to put a spin on the traditional fashion trends, and give you our predictions of 2022 bridal trends!

What do we think we will start seeing a lot more of? 

Ruffle bottoms? Statement sleeves? Cut-outs? 

Well, first we wanted to turn to the industry to see what their predictions were for bridal trends this year. 

The Industry Predictions on Bridal Trends

Working so heavily in the bridal industry means that there are MANY different opinions and expertise on what bridal trends are emerging, and will continue to do so this year. We thought there was no better place to start, then to hit the internet. 

After some very vigorous research, here is what the industry thinks. 

Some of these bridal trends that have seen a resurgence (at least on the runways) include: birdcage veils, high necklines paired with sleek and slimming silhouettes, pops of colour and jumpsuits. However, here is a rundown of a few of our favourites!

Mix of modern and traditional

There is no doubt that brides have continued to play along the line of traditions throughout the years, and that trend is not expected to stop any time soon. We continue to see a surge in more nontraditional bridal items being incorporated into modern bridal nuptials, and let us just say, we are here for it! So, there is no surprise to see this mix of modern and traditional nods when considering a bridal gown. 

Necklines 

Another beautiful thing that brides have shown the industry, is their interest in necklines! As we saw before, brides have shown an interest in bringing back more traditional elements like high neckline wedding gowns, and we love that. However, to get a bit more specific on the bridal trend that is taking the industry back by storm… we are talking square necklines. Where are all of the effortless classic brides at? If you’re looking for something with great support and coverage but still have your nod of trend, look no further. 

Exposed Corsets 

Hitting the industry by storm, is none other than exposed corsets. If you ask us, these statement elements are what we are here for! 

While the exposed boning and structure will give you an element of ‘sexiness’, exposed corsets will also provide great support on your big day! And don’t get us started on the beautiful sheer tulling featured!

Over the Top Statements

Okay, there are a lot of elements that can add a good statement to your wedding dress. One in particular that the industry has more than jumped behind is sleeves! 

A perfect over-the-top statement is a sleeve! Adding a sleeve can add such drama to your wedding dress, plus – they can be made removable. From a statement down the aisle, to the comfort of your reception, get the best of both worlds!

However, we are keeping our eyes on ruffles… because baby are they ever coming back strong! 

Pops of Colour and Florals

The industry has spoken, and pops of colour with beautiful floral inspirations have hit the runways. This is much deeper than a blend of biscotti or mocha, but rather creating something that is perfectly and uniquely YOU. 

This is an incredible option for brides looking for something a little more outside of the box, as it provides the opportunity to showcase personality and style down the aisle. 

Pearls

Our last addition to the trends within the industry is none other than pearls! What can we say, pearls can be such an elegant and classic way to highlight your wedding dress on your big day. We are seeing a step-up from your typical family heirlooms, where pearls are now becoming feature statements of your day. 

From your wedding dress, to your veil, your jewelry to your shoes. Pearls are an excellent and cohesive statement on the runways and off. 

Our Team Predictions on Bridal Trends

After scouring the internet for the trends we are seeing on the runways, we thought it would be nice to compare to what we have seen (and think we may continue to see) in the store. 

I am in no manner saying that we have psychic powers to predict upcoming fashion faux pas, but we have a pretty good idea of where we think the industry might be going. I mean… we do see an incredible number of beautiful dresses come and go through our shop each year.

So, what better way to explore this than to touch base with each of our bridal stylists! We’ve put their knowledge and experience to the test to put together our top bridal trend predictions for this year!

Amanda

There is nothing more stunning than having an elegant wedding dress with a modern slit. When thinking of what dresses we will continue to see more of, this was certainly a contender. 

If you’re thinking this might be the vibe you are looking for, some great suggestions would be Essense of Australia D3460, or Nahal by our Pronovias Privée line.

Bobbi 

Let’s take a moment to talk about sleeves. We definitely love what flair they can add to a dress, and have definitely seen a larger variety of them hitting the market these days. From a detachable option, to statement elements of dress designs, we are living for this trend.

Looking for a fun sleeve? Try out Stevie by La Perle (LP2009), or Taya by L’Amour (LA22122).

Debbie 

An absolute classic in the past, and will continue to be moving forward is satin. Now, there are so many options for gowns when it comes to satin. Don’t be alarmed! What is certainly trending in our stores now, is silky-smooth satin gowns!

If you’re thinking of keeping things classic and comfortable, perhaps look to Essense of Australia D2761. 

 

Hayley 

Alright, now here is something else we cannot get enough of… sparkle and beading of course! We have continued to see so many brides wanting something glamorous and shimmery for their big day, and dresses with intricate beading and sparkle lining have never left us disappointed. 

Think that this could be something you’re looking for as well? Try out our new stock D3386 and D3395 by Essense of Australia!

Val

Another fan of the modern with a twist of traditional gowns is Val. To be fair, we will continue to drool over this trend because who can resist it? We know, coloured gowns have hit the market with a vengeance, and they will certainly be here to stay as well, but let’s just take one more moment to love our ivory gowns. 

If you’re looking for ivory, try out Essense of Australia D3399 or La Perle Ambrose (LP2206). 

BONUS

You didn’t honestly think we would finish this off without the thoughts of Stacey and Meghan did you?! 

Don’t worry. We caught their ideas too. 

Meghan

It’s nothing new that sparkle has been a trend in the wedding industry for the last few years, but if we’ve seen anything in our boutique it’s that both our brides and our designers say it is here to stick around. 

If you’re looking for a stunning gown with some major sparkle, take a look at our new Pronovias gown, Bimmah. 

Stacey

When you see so many gowns come and go through the shop, it is hard to pick just one as a trend contender. However, this year we definitely think pearls and beading are making their statement. Gowns without lacework offer a different look for the bride!

If you’re wanting something without lacework, check out Henrietta or Sondong by Pronovias. 

The Verdict 

The true prediction is that we have no idea what kind of bridal trends are going to manifest themselves this year. But, what an incredible opportunity we have to help these beautiful brides discover themselves and their own trendy styles, each and every day. 

Remember, what is most important is that you find something that aligns with YOUR vision. 

Work with your stylist and seamstress to create the wedding dress of your dreams, no matter what bridal trend it may or may not fall into! 

Until next time, 

The Sinders Team 

**If you like any of these gowns and want to see more of what we have in our inventory, check out Sinders Bridal House on Pinterest here!

Categories
Accessories

Everything you need to know about the wedding veil

So, you’ve secured your dream dress and are thinking it’s now time to accessorize. If you’re on the edge about whether a wedding veil could be right for you – don’t worry we have you covered! We are here to tell you everything there is to know about finding yourself the perfect veil for your special day.

BUT just like any good story, we should start at the beginning.

You might not be surprised to find that the reason behind wearing a wedding veil has had a bit of a… complicated history.

Traditionally, veils were thought to have been worn (over the face) to help ward off evil spirits from the bride. We aren’t sure how effective that was, but the thought is interesting. They have also been tied to traditions of ‘hiding’ the bride’s appearance from her groom as she walks down the aisle. Unsurprisingly, wedding veils have also been associated with maintaining a bride’s purity and even symbolizing her status to society.

However, in modern society, wedding veils are less about warding off spirits and more about adding the last touch to your wedding day attire.

So, you might be thinking… do I have to wear a veil?

The short answer is absolutely not.

That is what is so incredible about your wedding. You can do whatever and wear whatever feels most comfortable and authentically you. I mean, there are plenty of alternatives out there that can help you complete your look! Can we just drop some love for the stunning hair pieces and accessories that are on the market!?

But, before you go and drop the idea of wearing a wedding veil completely, hear us out. **

We have collected the top 3 things to consider about wearing a veil.

What types of wedding veils are there?

Let’s start here.

Choosing a wedding veil is much like any other element of your wedding planning, and it starts with your vision.

Are you having a traditional church ceremony? A beautiful candlelit aisle in your favourite art-gala? Barefoot beach vows with a hint of floral romance? All these elements can help you envision what style of veil might be a best fit for you and your vision.

Oh, and we can’t forget about the dress either.

Your wedding dress can also be a huge indicator of what veil style might be best for you. Maybe you’re thinking statement, statement, statement. Or perhaps simple and clear elegance if more your look.

While you have that vision loading in your head, let’s go over the different styles of veils you will come across in your journey.

Birdcage

If you’re looking for an incredible showcase of both style and personality without the hassle and weight that a longer wedding veil provides, then a birdcage could be a great option for you.

I mean, hello Reese Witherspoon Sweet Home Alabama vibes!

Covering just part of the face, a birdcage veil can sit either on the top of the head, or toward the side of the head and will measure about 45cm from its comb.

This vintage choice can be versatile enough for any style but is an excellent choice for shorter dresses.

Blusher

Certainly a look that nods to both modesty and purity, a blusher veil can both be a standalone statement, or an additional layer to a veil that will cover the bride’s face.

Traditionally, this blusher was thought to ward off the spirit of evils, however it later became known to ‘hide’ the brides’ face from her groom.

Despite neither of these being the common reason for a bride to choose a blusher wedding veil today, blusher veils are still a common addition for any bride that wishes to add that extra element of modesty and tradition to their special day.

Photo by Taralee Photography

Fingertip

Okay, this one might sound a little self-explanatory, but you guessed it, the fingertip-veil stops at just that… your fingertips!

I have to say, this style of mid-length veil looks incredible with just about any style of dress I’ve seen it on.

Why may you ask? Versatility.

Mikado to crepe, sequinned to beaded, a fingertip-length wedding veil adds the perfect highlight to any bride’s shape and style for their day.

Photo by Brittany Navin Photography

Chapel

If you’re looking for something with a little more drama, then a chapel-length wedding veil might be the right choice for you.

Without getting too much into the specific measurements (it’s between 90-120” in length if you’re wondering), a chapel-length veil typically falls just a few inches past a full-length wedding gown and provides a beautiful sweeping statement without being too overwhelming for the bride.

This might be the right choice for the bride looking for just that little bit of extra movement.

Photo by Rob Lloyd Photography

Cathedral

A cathedral-length wedding veil is one of the longest styles on the market, about 100-120” in length.

Depending on your dress, a cathedral veil could either meet at the end of your train or drape past it if the style you have chosen was not overly long. With that said, on average a cathedral veil will surpass the train by about 1-2 feet.

This might be a great length option for you if your veil has lace or appliques.

Why you may ask? Having that additional length on your veil will provide appropriate space at the end of your train to showcase the intricate details that many veils have.

Photo by Palm Tree Studio

 

 

Royal

A royal-length veil might not be the best fit for every bride, as it is what we like to think of as an all-or-nothing option. Flowing 120”+ in length, a royal wedding veil can fall significantly farther behind an average train.

This length of veil does not come without challenges, as it will be much heavier than any other of our previously mentioned options. 

BUT, with that being said, get ready for some drop-dead gorgeous photos with this one.

Go big or go home, am I right?

Photo by Laura Fenny Photography

Mantilla

Graced with Spanish-style and influence, a mantilla features a beautiful circular statement lace-trim that both frames and highlights the bride’s face.

Traditionally a mantilla is worn just behind the hairline on the top of your head and creates that beautiful dramatic draping. This style is common for brides holding their ceremony in the Catholic church, as it also provides a fuller coverage across your chest and shoulders.

One thing to keep in mind if this is a style for you is your lace pattern! A consultant can always be a great guide to making sure your lace of the veil and your dress (if you choose this gown style) are complimentary.

Photo by Taralee Photography

How much can a wedding veil cost?

This one is a little more complicated to explain, as the short answer is ‘it depends’.

In reality, a wedding veil can be as extravagant or cost effective as you choose it to be.

But now that you have a better idea of the different lengths and styles of wedding veils that are on the market, we should talk about some different style variations.

When you are shopping for your wedding veil, the options on style can be limitless. From beautiful and delicate lace applications, to scattered pearls, seed beading to the classic raw edge, your options are pretty incredible.

Keep in mind, the details on your veil will alter the cost significantly.

In its entirety, you could be looking at a price range of $150 to upwards of $1,500 CAD.

It’s important to make an appointment and work with your stylist when choosing what veil might be the best option for you, as they will be able to help you find the perfect details to help fit your vision.

Okay, I bought a wedding veil. What’s next?

YAY! You found the perfect wedding veil, and you might be thinking, what do I do now!? You’re going to want to keep it in pristine condition leading up to your big day. Just like when you pick up your wedding dress! So, there are a few things you should know to keep your veil in tip-top shape.

The first being storage.

Both the environment that you store your veil in, and how you choose to store it will play a large factor in keeping its condition.

When it comes to the environment, do your best to store it in a dark, cool, and dry place, away from sunlight, dust and pesky animal hairs. This type of environment will support safe and secure storage leading up to your big day. When it comes to how to store the veil physically, there are a few things you can do.

First, your veil may come with a hanging loop to help relieve pressure from the comb when hanging your wedding veil. If it doesn’t no worries, you can always make one by pinning a ribbon through the comb!

If you have a longer veil, you can also consider folding up the end and laying over the bar of a traditional hanger. This is again to help relieve pressure from the comb.

Awesome, you’re good to go for the weeks or months leading up to the big day!

Now, when the big day comes – you might be thinking your veil could use a quick… freshening. We totally agree. Remember though, the fabric is very delicate and so whatever you do, be gentle. Your wedding veil should need very little done to bring it to pristine condition.

If you have a longer veil, you should first unfold it from the hanger. Lay out the fabric in a clean and dry area, checking for any small creases or folds in the fabric. If any are found, use a very gentle steamer.

After that, you’re ready to go for the ceremony!

Bottom Line

The bottom line is a wedding veil is not a mandatory addition for marriage. You must go with your gut! You don’t get to experience this every day, and so if you want to wear a veil… wear it!

If you don’t, that is okay too.

The good news is that there are plenty of options available to make your day everything you ever wanted.

Until next time,

The Sinders Team

** We talk about estimated lengths of each style of veil, but it’s a personal preference. Each designer and vendor may refer to these lengths and veil names differently, so use caution when discussing these details. If you do choose to go with a longer veil, we recommend ensuring the veil you choose goes to the end (if not beyond) the end of your train. **

Categories
Advice Trends

The Wedding Boom – Is the minimony here to stay?

Over the past year we have seen a number of wedding trends emerge. From the infamous minimony to sequel celebrations – it is safe to say that love cannot be cancelled. But our question is this… are they here to stay? 

If you ask us, any variation of an event centered around love between you and your partner is the way to go. Whether that be an intimate vow exchange at a destination that means something of significance, or a grand celebration in front of the entirety of those that have made an impact in your life. 

Really, there is no wrong way to get married. 

On top of that, we anticipate more weddings in the next year than ever before. Vendors alike continue to push to help millions of couples find their way down the aisle. This opens up plenty of opportunity for new trends to flourish, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store. 

With all of that said, we wanted to break down the terms that you might have started to hear more of over the past year. And maybe throw in our two cents on the topic!

  1. Elopement 
  2. Micro-Wedding
  3. Minimony
  4. Sequel Wedding

Elopement

Okay, so elopements may have gotten some mixed messaging surrounding them over the past few years. Traditionally, an elopement is considered to be an unplanned event. It is attended by only the couple and their witnesses. Typically they were performed in secret (although that’s not a requirement).  

So, what may make an elopement a preferred choice for you? 

Well, firstly – elopements can be a tonne of fun. Your options as a couple are quite honestly endless! Are you lovers of extreme adventure? Seekers of one-of-a-kind scenery? Helicopter fanatics!? Elopements can result in some pretty extraordinary, truly authentic moments. 

We are talking jaw-dropping, heart-melting, tear-jerking kind of moments. 

Photo by Phillipa Maitland Photography

Elopements can also be a great way to keep your nuptials cost effective, intimate and stress-free, allowing the entire focus to be on you and your partner.  

Wherever, whenever and however your elopement comes to life, the important thing is that your ceremony, reception, and vows are 100% authentically you. 

Micro-wedding

Now, a micro-wedding is a wonderful cross between an elopement and a larger traditional ceremony. Welcoming up to 50 guests, a micro-wedding offers both immediate family and close friends to join the couple in celebration. Also while providing the couple more time and focus to be placed on the smaller details of the day. 

A perfect solution to those still wanting to share their day with loved ones, splurge on some details and not become completely overwhelmed by the number of guests in attendance.

Photo by Rosielle + Co

What might make a micro-wedding right for you? 

Well, first-off, let us make this clear. A smaller guest count does not mean cutting out on your experience! There are still plenty of opportunities to showcase those time-honoured traditions with your partner and guests. In fact, a micro-wedding is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with the more intimate moments of your wedding day. Think ‘designer’ wedding if you may. 

An additional bonus of micro-weddings is that you can spend more time with your partner and your guests throughout the day! With a smaller guest list, you can even personalize their experience, with hand-written notes at their place cards, or have wedding favours personalized to each guest. 

Just like hosting a very large dinner-party with all of your favourite people. Micro-weddings certainly hold a warm place in our hearts!

Minimony

Which leads us to this. Much like its predecessor the micro-wedding, a minimony is exactly what it implies, a ‘mini’ wedding ceremony. It is held with the couple, their witnesses and up to 15 guests. 

But, how does this differ from a micro-wedding you may ask? 

Well, unlike an elopement, a minimony has experienced a surge in popularity throughout the pandemic. Allowing couples the chance to honour their original wedding date, while postponing their previously planned grandiose nuptials.

Simply put, if you’re still planning to host a large-scale wedding in the following months or years from your originally planned date, it’s a minimony! 

Photo by Rubicon Photography

Held with your officiant, small group of loved ones and select wedding vendors, a minimony refocuses the emphasis toward the finer details of the couple. It is an excellent choice to celebrate your love story in a unique and beautifully connected way. In fact, many find a minimony to be much more meaningful than expected!

Plus, there are some incredible benefits of planning a minimony! 

Firstly, your venue options are nearly limitless. With a smaller guest list and ability to appropriately social distance, you could find yourself saying “I do” anywhere from a beautiful backyard to the middle of a national park!

Furthermore, this is another great option to remove stress, cut back on costs and open your mind to an entirely personalized day for you. 

Goodbye seating charts, hello family-style dinner! 

Just remember, however you originally planned your wedding day, there are always options. 

Sequel Wedding

Finally, a sequel wedding. Although not an entirely new term, a sequel wedding has also experienced a surge in popularity following the ongoing impacts of COVID-19. Much like its name suggests, a sequel wedding is when a couple celebrates their marriage in more than one ceremony. 

In the past, a sequel wedding was an excellent option for blending family traditions, managing complex expectations and providing convenience to the couple to plan their celebrations as they wish. However, more recently the sequel wedding has emerged as a follow-up of the minimony. This allows for the couple to celebrate with the entirety of their family, friends and loved ones. 

Photo by Fallon Michael on Unsplash

Think of this as the ‘part two’ of your wedding, if you may. 

And no, unlike the blockbusters, this is a sequel that you won’t be disappointed in. 

This might sound like a little more work, BUT, the benefits of hosting a sequel wedding are worth the work! With the stress of your nuptials behind you, a sequel wedding is your chance to celebrate with everyone!

When it comes to planning your sequel wedding, there are options! It’s important to understand what is important to have for each event. This not only eliminates stress but also distinguishes from your first wedding. 

Perhaps the sequel wedding will have a shorter ceremony, so you can have more time to spend with your guests. Maybe you switch it up with a completely different bridal look!

The thing with sequel weddings is that their rulebooks are still being written! What is important is that no matter what, create the experiences YOU want to have on the day. 

Verdict

That was a lot of information – we know! 

But, if you’re still following us, you’re asking “What was your verdict? Are they here to stay or not!?” 

Well, if you ask me… the minimony has provided us with some of the most mesmerizing moments to look back on in a time of chaos. It has helped ground us and show that love between two humans should not be overpowered by guest lists, wedding favours or catering. And most importantly, that perseverance and a little flexibility can overcome truly anything. 

Whether it be an elopement, micro-wedding or minimony, they truly are the perfect moment to showcase the personality, creativity and background of each and every couple. And, much like the brides we see everyday, no two are ever exactly the same – which is so beautiful! 

So, yes – let’s keep these coming! 

–

Enjoy reading this blog? Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Terminology