11 Tips for Wedding Dresses

I received the following guest post on wedding dress tips, and thought it would be great for my bride wedding calligraphy clients and readers that are looking for some fun (and budget-saving!) wedding-dress reading before their big day. Enjoy!

1) Wedding dresses should be purchased at least a few months before the ceremony. It takes about a month for the gown to arrive. Once it arrives, you will need to take it to an expert seamstress to have the gown fitted and altered.

2) Never use foundation on your décolletage. The powder can stain wedding dresses an unattractive yellow or tan color.

Little Mermaid Inspired Wedding Dress, Alfred Angelo

3) Trunk shows are planned well in advance, so bridal stores should be able to give you a list of dates. Trunk season is from January to May and each show lasts from one to three days. Appointments fill up quickly so call early!

4) "Normal" alterations include shortening straps, adding a bustle, adding a bra cup to the bust, and adjusting a hem. If the gown is too tight and bunching, no amount of alterations will make it comfortable and will fail to show your figure in its best light.

5) Bridal shops often have sales right after high school dances. Check out your local high schools’ websites to get a calendar of school events. If you’re able to shop during a weekday, you will usually get better service.

A-Line Wedding Dress, Simply Bridal

6) When deciding the dress budget, factor in the cost of accessories and alterations. Be aware that sleeve, bodice, and hemline alterations all have different costs. If you plan to lose weight, you will want to discuss it with your seamstress.

7) Create a log of likes and dislikes about various wedding dresses. You can start immediately by buying wedding magazines, ripping out pictures, and circling your favorite parts. You can also do this with accessories.

8) Most trunk shows offer a discount for placing your order on the spot, up to 20%. Even if the salon doesn't offer a discount, the designer may throw in a few extras (buttons down the back, additional length on the train) without charging you more.

9) Before buying a dress online, be aware of the shipping and restocking costs. If the dress seems too good to resist, call up your credit card company before you buy to see how you can protect yourself from unscrupulous sellers.

10) Details like beading and lace are often done by hand. It is often more economical to choose a simple and classic gown and dress it up with well-chosen accessories. You can wear the jewelry again, but not the dress.

11) Keep in mind that most of your guests will be staring at the back of your dress for most of the ceremony. Make sure the dress looks fantastic from all angles.

About the Author: Molly Warner is a writer for SimplyBridal.com, a well known retailer of high quality online wedding dresses. She's been planning her own wedding since she was a seven-year old flower girl and has written for various publications before deciding that her passion is in the bridal industry, especially wedding dresses. 

Want to write a wedding themed guest post for The Ash Tree? Contact me to get started!

Swarovski Valentine's Day Heart Necklaces

Guess what, guys? Only a few weeks left until Valentine's Day! How is your shopping going?

Devoted 2 You Heart Necklace, $18

If you're like most men, you probably haven't even started. And that's OK - I've got this.

Featuring the newest line of handmade jewelry, the Ash Tree 2012 Valentine's Day Collection. In it, I've featured a selection of different shape hearts all within the "Key to My Heart" theme. Here are some images and breakdowns of the symbolism of each heart that you can then lovingly explain to your Valentine this year.

Passion Pink Wild Heart Necklace

Devoted to You Heart Pendant. This pendant necklace features a fun heart shape, with the Swarovski crystal heart itself sweeping down in a simple, different, and yet elegant, shape. Like all of the Ash Tree Valentine's 2012 Collection, this features a single pewter key charm, tying the concept of "Key to My Heart" into the beauty of the piece.

Wild Heart Pendant. The innovative shape of this piece represents a passionate love, and is perfect for the "wild" girl, or one who cherishes her individuality. The Swarovski crystal pendant features an elongated shape with asymmetric faceting, and the elegant shape offers a modern twist Valentine's Day jewelry.

I Love You Pendant. This is the simple and elegant heart shape piece that is perfect for the traditional, sophisticated woman. The Swarovski crystal one-of-a-kind brilliance and intense luminosity is a result of alternating large and small facets throughout the pendant.

Miss You Heart Pendant

Miss You Heart Pendant. The Miss U Heart crystal pendant features a surface is covered in irregular long and short flat facets for a hip, modern flash of light. The absence of a the complete whole heart represents a symbolic placement, conveying a sense of "You Are In My Heart".

It's a fabulously modern spin on the classic heart pendant, and is great for the long-distance relationship - or as a simple love reminder every day.

With all these options, boys, you don't just have to settle for Valentine's Day! If by chance you're too late to take advantage of these pieces, you can always get one of these affordable Swarovski Crystal Heart Pendant Necklace for her birthday - any time of year - by contacting me, visiting the Ash Tree Shop, or stopping by the retail store location, 6 In the Shipyard!

Cupcake Necklaces for She's the First

I've decided to take on my first charity jewelry project. I've found a great charity called "She's the First", a non profit organization that sponsors girls’ education in the developing world, helping them be the first in their families to graduate: and I'm all for young women's education and empowerment!

She's the First Cupcake Necklaces, $20 Each

The primary method of fundraising for this nonprofit is through cupcake sales: but not just any cupcakes, tie-dye cupcakes! Using creative layering and food coloring, the end result is a powerfully colorful confection that perfectly represents the blossoming young girls who are trying their hardest to just find a place in this world. I have now placed a limited selection of cupcake jewelry available for purchase at the 6 In the Shipyard Hingham Boutique, and online at my Ash Tree Etsy Shop.

These Cupcake Necklaces are going to be sold for just $20 each, with $15 of each necklace going directly to She's the First. These necklaces are adorable, speckled with rhinestone "sprinkles" and available in teal and bright magenta tie-dye "cups", which are the She's the First brand colors. Cupcakes are also available in red, green, yellow, purple, pink, and red "cups". So help support a worthwhile cause - please purchase an adorable cupcake necklace - makes a great Valentine's Day gift!

I've been working closely with the Charity's Founder herself Ms. Tammy Tibbets, and Ash Tree Designs will be an active partner in helping this charity reach their goals!

PURCHASE A CUPCAKE NECKLACE TO FUND GIRLS' EDUCATION!