Dress of the Week — The “Layered” Edition

Many bridal designers have been trying something a little different in their latest designs. It is the idea of creating textures and dimension with the fabric itself rather than placing beading or appliques on the wedding gowns. This Edgardo Bonilla “Alicia” design is a great example of this. The designer used just two types of fabrics to create an exciting and interesting piece. Edgardo Bonilla used an asymmetrical theme, when designing this gown. You can see this from the empire waist gathered sash to single front pickup and different lengths of cascading layers and ruffles.  As the bride moves, these flowing alternating layers move with her as if to flow around her.

Edgardo Bonilla "Alicia"

Great for both an indoor and outdoor wedding, this seemingly simple gown is not so simple after all. Along with the beautiful combination of ruffles, bows, and sashes, this dress also has fabric covered buttons lining the back of the gown. Dress it up with some jewelry or let it stand on its own. The way you style this gown is all up to you, but do not let this unique design get away.

The gorgeous gown was originally retailed at $4,650. With Encore Bridal you can have this gown for just $2,400, saving you $2,250!

To finish you look try:

Justine M. Couture Champagne and Quartz Hairpins-- $162

Pearl Bauble Bracelet-- $89

Chapel Length Veil with Optional Blusher-- $170

Tags: discounted designer wedding gowns, discounted Edgardo Bonilla dress, pre-owned wedding dresses, used bridal gowns, used Edgardo Bonilla Wedding gown, used wedding dresses, used wedding gowns

Dress of the Week– The “Garden Party” Edition

This beautifully unique design by Jim Hjelm is a show stopper hands down! With its gently draped bodice and organza overlay skirt, this gown is one that will float down the aisle with you. Great for an outdoor wedding at almost any venue, this gown has a one shoulder spaghetti strap that is detailed with organza floral appliques with touch of rhinestones and crystals. Perfect for the bride who desires a feminine look and wants to show off her hour glass figure. 

Jim Hjelm #8955

This gown was originally retailed at $2,100, but you can purchase it now for just $1,200. This saves you $900.

To Finish Your Look Try:

Matching Jennifer Leigh Veil-- $115

L'ezu Atelier Floral Hairpiece-- $100

MMM "Emily" Drop Earrings-- $110

Tags: discounted designer wedding dresses, discounted designer wedding gowns, pre-owned Jim Hjelm wedding dress, pre-owned wedding dresses, used Jim Hjelm wedding dress, used wedding dresses, used wedding gowns

How NOT to Get Burned When Buying a Used Wedding Dress

In the last few weeks I’ve been contacted by three different brides-to-be with horror stories of used wedding dress purchases gone wrong.  This is basically how each story went:

- All three ladies found the perfect wedding dress through an online classifieds / listing service (sites will remain unnamed) specializing in pre-owned wedding gowns.  All of the gowns were being sold by individual sellers.

-Each found that  the dress listing stated the dress was worn but  in “mint” condition, professionally cleaned, and preserved.

-Each dress was shipped to the brides following payment.  Once the box was opened, they quickly realized that they were not in the stated condition online let alone wearable.  One bride found the gown to have several large round orange stains down the front of it.  Another bride found several stains on the front skirt.  None of brides were able to have the stains removed with re-cleaning (another expense). 

-After many frustrating conversations, tears,  and weeks passing two of the brides were able to re-coup most of their costs from the sellers (but not all) and one of the brides lost $2000 (the seller refused to refund her money).

How sad for these brides!  And, how frustrating that these individual sellers are ruining the name of  online pre-owned wedding dress shopping!  These are smart brides who got burned. The good news is, I have almost a fool-proof way to avoid being in their shoes:

Purchase your  dress  from an online business, not an individual seller. 

Why should you only buy your used wedding dress from a Business:

1.  Businesses are dependent on happy brides.  They need you to have a positive experience so that you will tell your friends and they will tell their friends etc.  Or even more so, they don’t want you to spread negative reviews about their business. We all know the power of YELP.com.

2.   Businesses accept credit cards allowing you some added protection from your credit card company. 

3.  Most bridal consignment e-Boutiques allow returns.  So, if the dress you thought would be perfect, turned out not to be so perfect on, you are not stuck with it. 

4.  Such businesses employ experts who are dedicated to helping you find the RIGHT dress, not just a dress that they want someone to take off their hands.

Encore Bridal sells each and every dress on our site.  By doing this we ensure brides have consistently excellent customer service. 

Other businesses we love that sell pre-owned bridal wear:

*Posh Girl Vintage

*White Lux Shoes

Tags: consignment bridal boutiques, pre-owned wedding dresses, used bridal gowns, used wedding dresses

Discounted Designer Wedding Dress of the Week – The “Fairy Tale” Edition

Admit it, you too had dreams of being a fairy tale princess such as Cinderella, Snow White, or Belle when you were a young girl (or maybe even as an older girl).  Now your dreams can come true in more ways than one.  Donn an exquisitely designed and hand-crafted wedding dress that will make you feel like a princess, but not a broke princess.   May I present this Kirstie Kelly “Belle” wedding dress complete with the full pick-up skirt, low v-back, and gorgeous crumb-catcher neckline:

The retail price for this gown is $3485 — but don’t get your tiaras off kilter, you can purchase this dress at Encore Bridal.com for only $1500 — nearly a $2000 savings.

Now to finish your look – add a little bling with this fingertip length crystal veil in diamond white:

And this rhinestone comb/tiara:

Then send us a picture after your wedding and show us how gorgeous you are.

Tags: kirstie kelly wedding dress, pre-owned wedding dresses, used wedding dresses