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Fashion Icon Iris Apfel once said, “You can put your money into accessories and you could create a million different looks." The same is true with bridal accessories, but with so many options available, it could be a little intimidating. After all, the bride is *the* center of attention at every wedding. It’s a wise decision to decide on bridal accessories after you’ve said yes to the dress - if you have a flashy dress, you may want to go with simple accessories, but if you have selected a simple dress, you could and should go wild with the accessories! Keep reading for some fun bridal accessories you can incorporate into your big day - and don't worry stylish grooms, we'll have a blog for y'all soon, too! You may be asking yourself, why do I need bridal accessories? Isn’t the dress enough? Bridal accessories add a touch of elegance that can enhance even the simplest wedding dress. They can also connect your wedding ensemble with your wedding theme, or even better, your unique personality. While some bridal accessories were created out of tradition (cue the veil), some brides forgo the original meaning and go straight for the aesthetic values of accessories. But honestly, you can’t go wrong; afterall, you are the bride, it’s your look, and most importantly, it’s your day! VEILS Most would consider a veil a “must-have” bridal accessory, whether it’s for traditional purposes, or maybe there’s a veil in the family heirloom, or to embrace something borrowed or simply to showcase and complete that bridal look. Veils come in a variety of lengths, colors and styles and each one is unique to the bride, her look, her style, her day. Regardless of your reason for selecting a veil, there’s a few things to think about, or perhaps tips to consider before settling on the perfect veil. ​ ​Tip #1 - who are you as a bride? Would you consider yourself more simple and practical? Then go with a short to medium length veil. Would you consider yourself more glamorous? Then you may decide to choose a long veil. Do you see yourself being committed and wearing your veil for both the ceremony and reception? Or do you want the freedom to move around and dance your heart out and only wear your veil during your ceremony? Tip #2 - what style venue have you selected? Believe it or not, but your wedding venue plays an important factor in your big day vision, including your veil. A few questions to ask yourself when considering your veil are: Is the ceremony inside or outside? How will the weather and temperature be? How long is the walkway to your significant other? Are you walking on concrete, stone, grass, hard wood floors? If having an outdoor ceremony and there’s a long walkway to your ‘I do’s”, you may consider a shorter veil; one that’s easier to wear, walk in, and one that won’t get stuck while your walking down the aisle (but if it does, don’t turn around, just keep walking!). ​Tip #3 - what does your dress look like? Let’s face it - the wedding dress is everything (well to most brides it is!), which is why you should find a veil that compliments your dress, and not one that competes, covers or takes over. If you have a simple dress, maybe go for that sparkly, dramatic veil that adds a little glitter and glamour. If you have a backless dress, perhaps select a veil that’s a little shorter & one that shows off that back detail. Also, don’t think that the veil needs to match the dress perfectly in style and color - but they will be in plenty of pictures together, so make sure they compliment each other, and don’t clash. You can always ask your bridal dress consultant which veils would look best with your dress, and allow you to try on a few different styles, shades & length so you can feel confident with your selection. Tip #4 - taking it off Whether you are simply wearing the veil for the ceremony, or have decided to be dedicated to it the duration of the reception, you’ll want to consider how and when the veil will come off. Most brides just wear the veil for the ceremony and a few pictures, so it’s important to choose a hairstyle or headpiece that allows for quick and easy removal (without ruining your bridal hair). If you have selected to do a trial run for your wedding hair, we suggest bringing your veil with you, so your hairstylist can know prior to wedding day the best and easiest way to apply & also remove your veil. SHOES We can't hide it - we are SHOE OBSESSED. Shoes can make a perfect wedding detail picture, be your pop of color, and show your true style - but there’s a fine line between the most glamorous pair, and the most comfortable. Even if you select to have the perfect pair of stilettos for your ceremony, you may also want to invest in a comfortable pair of bridal shoes that can last the duration of the reception. Trust us: you should and deserve to go all out on your shoes to express your style - go for that bold color, the sparkle, those high heels! However, you will be on your feet probably most of the day and evening, so don’t feel bad about those flip flops, or Vans or Converse. ​Start thinking about your bridal shoes now though, because once you have said yes to your dress, you’ll want to setup dress alteration appointments, and the tailor will want you to bring your bridal shoes to your appointment (afterall, you don’t want your dress to be long or short). Also, consider your venue - will you be walking in the grass? If so, you may want wedges or some sort of heels that don’t sink into the grass. Will you be standing on concrete or stone? If so, you may want to go with that mid-heel height so you don’t walk and feel wobbly. Don’t be afraid to be unique AND, if you don’t want to wear heels all night, find a cute reception shoe (white platform tennis shoes!) so you can comfortably dance the night away! JEWELRY One of the most obvious things about getting married is that big sparkly diamond ring on your finger, but before you exchange rings, you’ll probably consider some sort of additional jewelry to wear for your big day. Wedding jewelry adds that perfect, finishing touch of elegance, personality, uniqueness to encompass that bridal look. You’ll most likely consider the overall hue of your dress before choosing between gold, silver, bold bright colorful gemstones, or you may even match your jewelry to your florals, bouquets, linens, etc. Before you head to your favorite jewelry store, you might consider asking a family member, such as a mother or grandmother for a special piece to borrow for your big day, (of course if they haven’t offered a meaningful item before now). Plus, everyone needs something borrowed for their big day! You’ll also want to consider your dress and hairstyle before selecting your bridal jewelry, such as the neckline of your dress, or whether you’ll be wearing your hair in an up-do or down with perfect curls. ​ Earrings How do you envision your hair? If you’re leaving your hair down, you may consider some sparkly studs or some drop earrings for that peekaboo effect. If you’re planning on having your hair in an up-do, you could go bold and a little more dramatic and select earrings that frame your face and stand out. Necklace Regardless of your dress, a dainty, classic necklace with some diamond or rhinestone details is simply the quickest way to add some pizzazz to your wedding dress. But if you want to make a statement, go bold with a statement necklace, heck, maybe even select one that brings out the colors in your bouquet. Layered necklaces, drop necklaces, chokers and even back drop necklaces can add a little sparkle without going overboard and stealing the spotlight from your wedding dress. Bracelet Bracelets can add some subtle glam to any dress, but do keep in mind that you’ll most likely be holding your bouquet, so your bracelet won’t be in the spotlight too much. You’ll also want to make sure the bracelet you select won’t catch or snag on your wedding dress. Ring It’s Texas, so let’s face it, a class ring is our daily jewelry accessory. You’ll want to think about the pictures you’ll have for a lifetime, and if you don’t think your college ring will make the cut in 20, 30, 60 years, maybe consider leaving it off for your wedding day. You can always swap it out with a grandmother’s wedding ring, or some dainty stackable rings. But don’t let your additional rings steal the thunder from your new wedding band! HAIR ACCESORIES + HEADPIECES Bridal hair is just as crucial as the dress, the shoes, the jewelry - a bridal hairstyle completes the entire bridal look, but why stop with just hair when you can complete your look with a hair accessory or headpiece?! After you select your wedding dress, you’ll want to start narrowing down your hairstyle look - of course, consider the venue, the weather, the temperature, your dress, your veil, etc. Here are a few questions you can ask yourself when it comes to headpiece styling. ​Question #1 - does it go with my dress and overall bridal look? There’s a wide range of headpieces, and there are some that go specifically with a theme or style. If you are considering a headpiece, you’ll want to make sure it goes with your overall look and that it doesn’t look out of place. If you are getting married in a ballroom, you may not want to consider a boho flower crown, but instead a tiara and gemstone bararete. Question #2 - will I be wearing a veil? If you have opted to wear a veil at some point of your wedding day, you’ll want to make sure your hair accessory blends well with the veil. There are some veils that can be styled or applied with a hair comb, but if it can’t, maybe select to wear the veil during the ceremony, and then add a hairpiece for the reception. Question #3 - does this hair accessory make me feel pretty and comfortable? We’ve all had those hairstyles and/or up-do’s that cause us to have a massive headache or neck ache the next day, and the same can be for a headpiece. There are some hair accessories that are trendy, look great for Instagram pictures, but are completely uncomfortable. You’ve planned every detail of your wedding day and you deserve to have the best day, so make sure whatever hair accessory you choose, you’ll be able to wear all day and night. Hair Clip, Hair Pin or Barrette These are perfect if you are planning on leaving your hair down for your wedding and they give you a little sparkle while keeping your hair in place for those picture perfect moments. Hair Comb If you are envisioning a bridal up-do, a hair comb is a perfect accent and/or can embellish a veil. Tiara Imaging that fairytale wedding look? A tiara is a glamorous crown that’s made for that princess bride, and its versatile enough to be worn by itself, or with a veil; and can be worn with an up-do or if you are letting your hair down. Fascinator If vintage is more your style, a fascinator gives you that captivating, elegant and luxurious bridal look. Flowers or Flower Crown Whether you are having a rustic, garden, casual, summery, beach wedding or not, flowers can add that perfect touch to your wedding look. You can choose to wear a flower crown with loose curls, a low-do or braids or you can simply add a flower or two that match your bouquet or the guys boutonnieres. Headband These are simple & easy and look great with long or short hair, and look fabulous with or without a veil. Hat We get it - your wedding day might not typically be a day you'd think to wear a hat, but if you have that retro vibe, or simply want to keep the sun out of your eyes, you may consider a cute hat, whether you wear it down the aisle or just for some pictures. WINTER BRIDAL ACCESORIES There’s one thing you can’t control in wedding planning, and that’s mother nature. Whether you are planning a winter wedding or not, the weather can be unpredictable, but that doesn’t mean you have to ruin your bridal look. There are a few winter accessories that are trendy and picture perfect, whether you end up needing to use them for practicality or just for that photo opportunity. Wraps, Bolero’s, Shawls, Faux Fur These can be used as a warmer and are great for fall and winter weddings, but they can also act as a fashion element to put together a bridal look. Typically these just cover the bride’s upper body and give a modest and romantic look. Jean or Leather Jackets Not only are these super trendy right now, but they are extremely practical because even in the spring and summer, the weather can change on a dime. You may not wear these down the aisle, but they can make for great bridal party pictures or casual couple pictures, especially if you get it customized with calligraphy or embroidery of your *new* last name!​ GARTER ​Are you still needing that "something blue"? A wedding garter might be the perfect accessory to do so with. Yes, you’ll be wearing the gather under your wedding dress, but don’t feel limited with it - you can customize it, bring your personality out with it, or simply keep it simple. If you’re the type that will want to show that garter off into pictures, you may want to select one that’s sexier or one that has more detail. So select your song, and get ready for that garter toss! ​ EXTRA, EXTRA! Still looking for those extra accessories that scream "bride"? It’s easy to add personality, lace, sparkle, color into almost everything - from nail color, to bridal hangers, silk robes, clutches, champagne glasses, etc. Personalize everything your heart desires to let everyone know that YOU JUST GOT MARRIED! And don't forget about accessories for AFTER the wedding, too! Get a customized getaway bag, lingerie, monogrammed pajamas, a bridal shirt for the plane ride, white sunglasses for your honeymoon, etc. You don't have to stop being the bride just because the big day is over! Photography: Feather & Twine | Dani Quiroz | The Teagues | Holly Marie Photography | A Sea of Love | ​Britni Dean Photography | Neva Michelle Photography | Honey Gem Creative ​Moodyography | Sarah KJ Photography

Ain't no party, like a bridal party! So you're looking for the perfect way to say "thank you" to your bridesmaids. Or maybe you're looking for the perfect coordinating look to wear while getting ready for your wedding day. Here are some matching bridesmaid gift ideas that your ladies will be sure to love!​ READY OR NOT! Every bride dreams about their wedding day, but there's a lot that happens leading up to that walk down the aisle. Of course, it all starts with who they are going to be getting ready with. And let's face it, most brides are looking forward to wearing matching outfits with their bridesmaids, popping bubbly, and taking those 'getting ready' pictures before putting on that wedding dress. So here are some ideas for that picture-perfect getting-ready look! Robes Hangers Slippers & Sleep Mask BLING BLING! Regardless of what you've decided for your bridesmaids to wear, a little sparkle is always a necessary accessory! So customize a significant piece of jewelry that will show your appreciation - plus, it's a little something your girls will have to remember your special day for years to come! Sentimental and straightforward - here are some ideas! Necklaces Bracelets Earrings Hair Clips​ MONOGRAM ME! Monograms are popping up everywhere and on everything! Here are some cute and stylish items you can monogram and make special for each of your bridesmaids! Button Down Shirts Flannels Rompers Pajama Set​ I’LL DRINK TO THAT! Wedding planning can be stressful on the bride and her squad, so whether you calm the nerves with a latte, a glass of wine, or something stronger, you're going to want something fun to sip out of, like a customized cup. These are fun, inexpensive, and unique gift ideas that scream "thank you" (and "cheers!"). ​ Tumblers Wine Glasses Mugs Flasks LET’S GET CARRIED AWAY! Do you and your girls love to travel? Are you traveling for your wedding day? Or do you need a little support carrying all of your favorite things? Bags come in all shapes and sizes, and their purposes are endless - plus, everyone can always use another bag, even the bag lady! ​ Cosmetic Bag Jewelry Case Tote Bag Duffel Bag Luggage Tags​ HITTING THE BEACH! I think it's safe to say that we are all counting down the days until we can go on vacation again, and what better gift to give than some accessories for some fun in the sun. These bridesmaid gifts are perfect for destination weddings or for you and your girls that could use some R&R! Beach Hats Beach Towel Flip Flops Sunglasses​ Matching Swimsuits SWEATING FOR THE WEDDING! Are you an athletic bride? One who has spent your engagement days getting fit for the wedding? Share the love and motivation by gifting your bridesmaids one of these ideas! ​ Yoga Mat Athletic Lounge Set Yoga Pants Water Bottle Sweatshirt AirPod Case BABY IT’S COLD OUTSIDE! Having a winter wedding, and want to give a gift that's warm and cozy? Here are some unique gift ideas that will surely warm their hearts and put smiles on their faces (and backs)! Jean Jacket Leather Jacket Faux Fur Shawl Gloves & Hats Blanket Photography: A Sea of Love | Britni Dean Photography | Dani Quiroz | PhotoHouse Films | Brooke Taelor | Marisa Vasquez Photography | Feather & Twine | Two Pair Photography | Moodyography

The Austin Area has so many amazing places to take engagement/bridal photos! Here are some tips to help you choose your location and some places we love! Let us Austin wedding planners tell you some of our favorite spots. There are a few strategies that can help you choose where you want to take your engagement photos: Take your photos where you got engaged!! You could even re-create the moment! You could even plan to have a photographer there when you get engaged if you’re the one popping the question! Think of some of your favorite places to go together. We’ve seen super cute engagement photos in a couple’s favorite coffee shop or on their favorite hiking trail. Don’t be afraid to get creative! If you love kayaking together, see if you’re photographer would be down to snap some photos on the water! Think of a location that represents you both. Do you love architecture or museums? Do you love being outdoors and surrounded by nature? Look into locations the match that! For your bridal photos you can also go a couple of different ways: Check with your venue. A lot of venues offer a free bridal session to bride’s that have booked their wedding there. You can also get creative with this! Do you love nature and outdoors? Take your bridals in a field of flowers or in the woods! There are soooo many options! *Keep in mind that some places may charge a fee and or require an appointment! You may need to schedule these photos several weeks or even months in advance! Here are some fun places to take your photos in the Austin Area!: Mount Bonnell 3800 Mount Bonnell Rd; Austin, Texas 78731 You will have to walk up several stairs to get to the top (should only take about a minute though) and you’ll see a gorgeous view of Lake Austin. Mayfield Park 3505 W 35th St, Austin, TX 78703 This location is a historic cottage, garden and nature preserve. It is known for its peacocks, yes real peacocks! You might even get lucky and have one photo bomb one of your photos! Zilker Botanical Garden 2220 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78746 This is a beautiful garden with a ton of different garden areas for a variety of photos! The Driskill 604 Brazos St, Austin, TX 78701 This historical hotel is located in downtown Austin and is also a wedding venue. It has beautiful architecture that makes for stunning photos! South Congress Avenue South Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78704 Got a thing for murals and cool hangout spots? South Congress has many retail shops and restaurants with fun murals on their exteriors from local artists. Looking north, you can also get a great shot of the Capital Building in your photos! The Inn at Jennifer's Garden 1101 W 31st St, Austin, TX 78705 This is a intimate and cozy venue with a lot of history. With loads a greenery and lush gardens, you can't go wrong ith this beatiful spot! Sekrit Theater 1145 Perry Rd, Austin, TX 78721 This uninque spot feels like a hidden gem near downtown Austin. It features a gorgeous greenhouse surrounded by nature. If you're going for a fairytale vibe for your photos, look no further! Laguna Gloria 3809 West 35th Street, Austin, TX 78703 Venture through the grounds at Laguna Gloria to discover art by contemporary artists from around the world, from awe-inspiring monumental sculptures to quiet moments with art in nature along meditative wooded pathways. There are a ton of different photo oppoturnities at this amazing venue! There are obviously WAY more places to take your engagement and/or bridal photos in the Austin Area. Be sure to do your own research and then talk to your photographer. They will be able to help guide you as well as help with the best times to take your photos due to crowds and lighting. Good luck!!! Photography: @bultedaobphoto | @beginningandendphoto | @moodyography | @caitlinrosephoto | @samhughphoto | @monicadaniellephoto

You’ve said yes to the dress and now it’s time to choose your jewelry and accessories! There are so many options so we are here to help break it down for you! Keep It Simple If your dress is very detailed or intricate, it might be a good idea to keep your jewelry simpler and understated. Look for very thin and dainty single necklaces and for earrings stick to simple studs or really small hoops. This way the focus stays on the beautiful dress you’ve chosen! Low Neck or Back Line If your dress has a low neckline, you might want to consider a lavaliere or “drop” necklace to accentuate that sexy detail. There are also necklaces that have the “drop” down your back if you have a low backline. As far as accessories go, if you have a low back or fun detail on the back of your dress, you might want to skip the veil so nothing covers up that part of your dress. Go Bold Is your dress very simple, without lots of detail like lace and beading? This is a great opportunity to really spice up your accessories. You can go bold with some larger earrings or necklace. You also might want to consider some other non-jewelry accessories such as a wedding belt or sash. Other Things to Consider If you are a more traditional bri de, keep in mind your something borrowed. Consider using heirloom jewelry or a family member’s veil to add a sentimental aspect to your wedding accessories. Don’t forget to consider your wedding hairstyle when picking out your jewelry, especially any earrings you plan on wearing. If you’re wearing your hair up, your earrings will be much more noticeable. Another thing to consider is your dress material. If your dress material can get snagged easily (like tulle for example, be considerate of a necklace style th at could keep getting caught on your dress. Also keep this in mind when it comes to your wedding shoes. Shoes with gems or diamonds on top can snag a long wedding dress as your walking and that’s not something you want to be worrying about on your wedding day! Photography: Brandi Allyse Photography | Light as Gold | HER Photography | Nikk Nguyen Photography

​Congratulations, you’ve said yes to the dress! Many brides have dreamed of their wedding dress before they have even found the one they want to marry! But before the gown fits perfectly, you’ll most likely need some alternations to personalize the dress to fit every curve of your body. ​Where do you start? How much time before the big day do you need to begin the alteration process? What happens if you lose or gain weight before the wedding? Here’s some alteration advice and guidelines to follow to get that dress fitting like a glove! POSSIBILITIES, POSSIBILITIES! Almost all wedding dresses are made in standard sizes, so it’s inevitable that some sort of alterations will need to take place (let’s face it, we aren’t all ‘standard sizes!’). When shopping for a dress, ask the salesperson what alterations are possible. If it seems like you’ll want to make more changes to the dress than the simple hem, adding straps, or taking it in to fit your body perfectly, you may want to select a different dress. Tailors are truly amazing and talented, but they can only do so much to an already designed dress. If you are looking for that dime in the rough and can’t seem to find the right one, it may be best to find a designer who can customize that one-of-a-kind dress for you. RESEARCH & REVIEW! Before you go down a rabbit hole searching for a local seamstress, ask your bridal salon if they offer any tailoring services in-house. Not only can it save a considerable amount of time, but the seamstresses have most likely already worked on similar dresses, giving them an advantage on what they can accomplish. The bridal salon might even give you a small discount for alterations as well. If your bridal salon doesn’t offer alterations, they probably have a few recommendations and trusted professionals who specialize in wedding dress alterations. Whomever you decide to use, check that they specialize in bridal and formalwear alterations (not just someone who can sew a button back on a jacket)! ​SPEAK UP, HAVE PATIENCE, STICK TO THE SCHEDULE! It’s usually recommended to have at least three wedding dress fittings - starting with your first fitting at least three months before your big day (this appointment is generally about an hour). You’ll finally get to try on your actual wedding dress at your first appointment, but don’t panic if it doesn’t fit perfectly (because it rarely does!). It’s essential to be direct with your seamstress about your dress vision and look and how you want to feel in it. Be honest, ask questions and be open to hearing their recommendations and advice - it’s not their first rodeo. ​ The second fitting is typically about a month before your wedding, and your final fitting is about two weeks out (these appointments are usually about 30 minutes). If you are adding extensive customizations, you may need additional fittings, but in most cases, your wedding gown will come home with you at the final fitting! Don’t be afraid to speak up to the seamstress if something doesn’t feel right. A strap might be loose, there might not be enough support for the girls, or a zipper is poking you - you’re ultimately the one wearing the dress, and the last thing you want to worry about on your wedding day is how your dress doesn’t fit perfectly! ​ WAIT, WEIGHT? Whether you are sweating for the wedding or just stressed eating, chances are, you want to look and feel your best on your big day! It’s totally normal to start dress shopping as soon as you said yes to that bling, and that’s perfectly fine. As alterations typically don’t begin until three months before your big day, you’re not likely to experience drastic weight fluctuations between then and your final fitting. But once you start your alterations, it's important to maintain a consistent weight. It’s a major stress factor for tailors when their brides lose a ton of weight for their wedding once alterations have begun - it means alterations will have to be done twice, which is twice as pricey. But even if your weight changes by a couple of pounds, your seamstress will have plenty of time and opportunities to make that dress fit like a glove. ​SPANX + SHOES You’ve dreamed about your dress, and you found ‘the one’ - but have you thought about what shoes you’ll wear (pumps or Chuck’s), or you're going to wear under it (Spanx, bustier, a sticky bra), or with it? Before attending your first alteration appointment, make sure you bring any bridal accessories with you. Shoes & undergarments will significantly impact the fit of your wedding dress, and if you already have your veil, jewelry, belt, etc., feel free to bring all of those items with you to your alteration appointments. ​ BUDGET It’s easy to forget about the budget for alterations once inside the bridal salon, but experts suggest budgeting at least $500 for adjustments. The cost will specifically altar, depending on the alterations, ranging from a few hundred dollars to well over $1,000. The more you plan on changing the dress, the pricier the alterations will add up. Be sure to prioritize your alterations, you don't want to step on your train down the aisle, but you also don't want to have your straps falling off your shoulders constantly. DON’T MAKE IT A PARTY! ​ As much fun as it seems to bring your entire bridal party with you to your alteration appointment, it’s probably best to bring just one or two people with you. Your crew can be with you when you say I do to your dress, but too many opinions at the alteration appointment can throw the vision off and can run the risk of your voice (the most important voice) not being heard by the seamstress. At the last fitting, bring at least one person who will be assisting you in getting ready on your wedding day - the seamstress will show them how best to get you in your dress, zip or lace you up, and bustle your train for the reception. (Pro tip: Record a video of the bustle on your phone to give to your wedding planner on the day of if you have a particularly difficult bustle!) ​

It sounds stressful, but it isn't and CAN be fun! It's good to be prepared with the right questions to ask and the right places to go. To start, we recommend that you locate the types of bridal salons that you want to visit, narrow it down to two to start, and make appointments. ​WHERE TO START ‣ Do they have any trunk shows coming up? ‣ Are you looking for a certain designer? ‣ Does your budget fit in with the salon? ‣ Are you interested in a second hand dress? ‣ Do they offer custom dresses only? ‣ Are there dresses you can purchase off of the rack and leave with on the day of? ‣ Do they also offer bridesmaid dresses? ‣ Do they also sell veils, undergarments and extra accessories? BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT(S) ‣ Is there a limit on guests that you can bring to your appointments? ‣ Will there be champagne provided, or is that something that you are allowed to bring? ‣ How much time should you put aside for trying on dresses? ‣ What should you wear when trying on dresses? ‣ Are there certain undergarments that you should bring? ‣ If you don't have your shoes for the day of, would you recommend bringing a pair that could have a similar type of heel? ‣ How involved will your consultants be when it comes to offering advice to help me find the best color and style for my body? WHEN YOU FIND THE ONE ‣ Will I be leaving with a dress today, off of the rack? ‣ If not, how long will it take for the dress that I purchase to arrive? ‣ Do you provide alterations? ‣ If you don’t provide them, who do you recommend? ‣ What is the recommended timeline for alterations? ‣ How much should I budget for this? ‣ How many total fittings will I need? ‣ What is the timeline for when I need to have those scheduled? ‣ Do you have any type of refund/cancellation/exchange policy if I purchase a dress, but later find one that I might like more at your salon? POST WEDDING ‣ Do you provide services for after I wear the dress; like cleaning, preserving, and boxing? ‣ How much can I budget for preserving and cleaning my dress? ‣ If it is a second hand shop, what are you looking for when buying dresses for your salon's inventory?

Where to host your wedding is something that is always evolving; from elopements, intimate ceremonies, and last minute backyard nuptials are happening NOW more than ever before. Pivoting from your original plans leaves a lot of lingering questions, and the number one question we are getting is - now what do I wear? The good news is that there are no rules - wear the same wedding dress for your small ceremony and wear it again in a year for your big reception! If that isn't your style and you're looking to save the glamor and surprise, we have compiled a curated list of ready to wear pieces that can arrive in a tighter time frame. TAILORED TO PERFECTION This structured dress with sequin embellishments is a standout look for any size ceremony. We recommend pairing with colored pumps and a birdcage veil for a vintage twist on this look. SHORT AND SOPHISTICATED Don't you love a traditional lace bodice with a modern twist? Make way on the dance floor because you’ll be dancing ALL night in this short flirty dress. We recommend opting for a low wavy ponytail and delicate hoop earrings to blend the classic and fun elements of this dress. CLASSIC SILHOUETTE ​If you’re going for a timeless look, this dress is it! It can be styled so many ways and fits everything from a church ceremony to a backyard bash. We recommend pairing with dainty jewelry and literally ANY hairstyle - seriously this dress is versatile and looks great with an updo or a big Hollywood waves. UNDERSTATED ROYALTY Imagine this.. you could take Meghan Markle’s reception look and make it entirely your own.! The high neck halter and cut out back are incredible details that make this dress anything BUT simple. Be sure to choose a hairstyle that lets the back of the dress really shine and we also recommend to keep it simple + top it off with stud earrings. ELEVATED SLIP DRESS This slip dress is a showstopper! What makes it SUCH a sophisticated look? It's the unique neckline, back draping, and side slit! Try styling this with relaxed waves and natural dewy makeup to finish off this sleek look. FIERCE JUMPSUIT This beautiful asymmetric jumpsuit screams classic, yet comfortable. You are able to dress a jumpsuit up or down, as much as you want! This outfit also doubles as a rehearsal dinner look! Make it your own with a belt and a slicked back bun and/or take advantage of the hem of the pants to show off a beautiful strappy heel. FLOWING ROMANCE​ This stunning dress can be used in so many different settings. One thing we can promise is that you will get MORE than one use out of it + you have the opportunity to make it look unique every time! Style it with sandals and a loose messy braid for a beachy elopement – or mix it up with a chunky heel and gold bangle bracelets for a more eclectic look. SLEEK STRAPLESS ​This fitted strapless gown exudes Hollywood glamour. The best part about it is the prominent neckline. Not only would this make a good ceremony dress, but it is perfect for date nights, your rehearsal dinner, and even a fancy night out during your bachelorette party! You can skip a statement necklace and focus on a pair of drop earrings instead and top off the whole look with a bold sexy lip color. BEAUTIFUL BOHO It’s all about the details on this bohemian inspired dress; the high neck, cut out back, and delicate floral trim are just a few things that make it look so romantic and dreamy. Enhance the vibe of this dress by styling it with colorful dangling earrings or a wide brimmed hat – the length is also perfect for showing off a cool pair of white leather ankle boots. ​ Can you say effortless elegance! This gown is super flattering, romantic, and gives off ultimate bridal vibes. You will feel sexy, but comfortable. This maxi can double as your bridal shower ensemble or even a perfect fit to wear to a waterside bachelorette dinner! Lean into the ethereal style with romantic waves and a floral headband.TIERED MAXI ACCESSORIES​ ​Now that you’ve picked your perfect dress, don’t forget to customize the look with beautiful accessories. Here’s a few items that are SURE to make you really stand out on the big day! ANKLE BOOTS TECOVA NORDSTROM STATEMENT EARRINGS​ SOCIALITE MIGNONNE GAVIGAN CUSTOM JACKETS TRENDY HAT ACCENT HAIRPINS​ PEARL HEADBAND We wanted to remind you that you can still dress up your plan B, look and feel just as sexy and shower yourself with the attention that you deserve. Show us your look for your intimate ceremony or elopement and let us know where you got it! Tag us on insta, @ashleynicoleaffair!

Planning: Ashley Nicole Affair Photography: Samantha Elizabeth Creative Venue: Hudson Bend Ranch Catering/Bar: The Peached Tortilla Catering Cake/Dessert: HEB Florist: Mother of the Bride Hair/MUA: Blushd Beauty TX Dress: Blue Bridal Austin DJ: Spacecraft Entertainment Lounge: Bee Lavish Vintage Rentals: Premiere Events

Planning your wedding is an exciting journey, and finding the perfect rehearsal venue is a crucial step in creating unforgettable memories. There are obviously a ton of places in and around Austin but we’ve chosen a few we love and we know you will too! Looking for more options? Check out this blog post with a list of a ton of great options in the Austin Area! Rose Haven Bakery & Event Venue Rose Haven is a new venue owned by Christy Seguin, owner of Cakes ROCK!!! We absolutely love working with Christy and we know you will love her too! Rose Haven is located just outside of Austin off of Highway 290 but is still super convenient to get to. This 1860s historical building is a wonderful spot for a rehearsal dinner. Contact them for their capacity and other details!! Asante Lodging and Events Asante is a great option for couples who are looking to have a smaller, intimate rehearsal dinner. They are located in Dripping Springs on 15 acres where you can view native and African game, stroll through their butterfly garden or stargaze by one of their outdoor fire pits. They also offer lodging for up to 34 people. Check out this unique venue here! Railyard Bar and Grill This restaurant is located a little further South in San Marcos, TX. If you’re looking for a laid back option with delicious food, this is your place! There are also plenty of things to do in San Marcos so you can make a day out of it with your rehearsal dinner guests. Check them out here! Perry’s Steakhouse and Grille Looking for something upscale with food everyone is sure to love? Look no further than Perry’s. They have 2 locations, one in North Austin and one Downtown. You can even eat inside a historic bank vault at the Downtown location. They are one of the country's premier, award-winning steakhouses with locations across the country and are sure to impress your guests. They can accommodate up to 100 people. Contact them today to find out more!

As your wedding day starts to approach, more and more last minute & small items on your to-do list start coming to the head front. Did I book a nail appointment? What time do I need to pick up my family from the airport? Do I have my honeymoon bag packed? Have I written my vows? Do we need a rehearsal? You may be asking yourself whether or not a rehearsal is a requirement, or just a recommendation, or is it something we can or should skip all together? We are here to help and educate you, so that you can decide for yourself whether or not you want to plan on conducting a ceremony rehearsal for your wedding. What Is a Wedding Rehearsal? A wedding rehearsal is a run-through of the ceremony, usually conducted the day before. Your wedding planner/coordinator, or sometimes the officiant, will go over each aspect of the ceremony, from the processional (when everyone walks down the aisle) to the recessional (when everyone exits the ceremony). Those who are a part of the ceremony (family members, bridal party, flower girls/ring bearers, etc) will have an opportunity to practice lining up, walking and sitting/standing in their assigned positions, before the wedding day. Reasons to Have a Wedding Rehearsal The venue requires it This will most likely be the case if you are having a church ceremony as some religious ceremonies have a lot of traditions & moving parts and it’s important for all involved to know what to expect and when (including any readers, special music, bridal party, etc) You have a lot of kids involved If you’ve chosen to have kids be a part of your ceremony, having a rehearsal could be helpful for them. They may not have been to a wedding before, and even if they have, they probably haven’t been in one (or hey, they probably won’t even remember!). A practice run can help them know what’s expected and get them familiar with the location, the bridal party and with us You want to have one! If you love tradition and having a rehearsal is important to you, have one. If it gives you peace of mind to move forward with one, then do it. It is, after all, your wedding day and ultimately, it’s all about you! Who Should Attend a Wedding Rehearsal? There is no hard and fast rule who should be at the rehearsal, and it does depend on who’s doing what during your ceremony, but we recommend the bride & groom (obviously!) and anyone that’s involved in the ceremony itself (parents, wedding party, flower girls/ring bearers) in addition to any ushers or readers. Most times, the officiant and DJ/musicians do not attend your rehearsal. Don’t worry if not everyone can attend - as long as there’s a few people that can help pass along the information, you should be set. Advantages of Having a Wedding Rehearsal The greatest benefit of a wedding rehearsal is to relieve the couple and wedding party of as many nerves as possible. It can be a big help for the key players to know exactly how they need to proceed down the aisle, where they need to sit, when to stand and where they might read from. Also, keep in mind that the bridal parties probably haven’t seen the wedding venue before, so it can be reassuring for them to be familiar and ultimately, make the morning and last minute preparations much smoother, less anxious and more enjoyable. Rehearsals can also be a fun addition and if your family and friends haven’t had a chance to meet yet, make the introductions and start getting familiar with how the wedding day will go. Disadvantages of Having a Wedding Rehearsal You may be asking yourself, are there any disadvantages to holding a wedding rehearsal? Unless you have a particularly complex setup, formal rehearsals can actually be counterproductive. They lack the setup and atmosphere of the wedding day, access to the venue can be difficult and getting everyone together is often more of a headache than anything else. And in the days leading up to the wedding, time is at a premium. Reasons Not to Have a Wedding Rehearsal There's no rule that says you must have a wedding rehearsal. If your wedding is small, with few or no wedding attendants, and does not include any wedding traditions, customs, or special readings, then you can probably get away with not conducting a rehearsal. You’re having an outdoor or very simple ceremony Most outdoor wedding ceremonies aren’t complicated and are shorter than traditional church weddings. You’ll need to know the order you are walking down the aisle, where to stand during the ceremony and when to walk back out. That’s what you have a wedding coordinator for - to line everyone up, coordinate with your DJ, guests and officiant, and tell you exactly when to walk and where to stand. Viola! Everyone is prepared and no wedding rehearsal is necessary. Your venue is booked the day before This is going to be the case at almost any wedding venue unless you’re having a Thursday or maybe a Friday wedding. You can always work around this by doing the rehearsal a few days before or even the morning of your wedding. Again your wedding planner or on site coordinator will be able to run through the necessary details with you. You can even get them to run through them separately if you don’t want to see each other before the ceremony. Time is Money! You may just rather spend time with your out of town guests - just because you don’t have a rehearsal doesn’t mean you can’t still have the dinner rehearsal dinner. Plus, you’ll be running around getting everything ready for the next day (dropping off welcome bags, getting your mani & pedi, checking into the hotel), so forgoing a rehearsal, might be in your best interest. If you don’t need a rehearsal, take it off of your to do list. Plus, with Austin traffic and the price of gas, your wedding party attendees might be thanking you for saving them both time and money! Whether you decide to conduct a rehearsal or not, it’s important to be clear on things with your family members and bridal party such as where you want guests to sit (is it open seating, or bride on one side/groom on the other), where you want your family to sit (typically first rows on each side are reserved for immediate family), how you want the bridal party to proceed down the aisle (and in what order), and if you want a formal order at the end of the ceremony as guests leave. Your wedding coordinator will lead most other things, but there is no harm in giving your ‘team’ a written briefing on these points in the week or so before your wedding if a rehearsal is not taking place. We also like to reiterate what groomsmen should do with their hands while they stand alongside the groom (hands in their pockets? clasped together?) as well as the height at which the bride and bridesmaids should carry their bouquets in order to look good in photos (belly button). We will also confirm who will have the rings and your vows and where to go after you say “I Do”! All of these details are very important to ensure a flawless ceremony on the wedding day. Ideally, the concept of a wedding rehearsal is about attempting to deliver a seamless production on the wedding day, but let’s face it, practice sometimes doesn’t make it perfect. Some of the best and most heart-warming wedding ceremony moments are when little unplanned and funny things have happened and at the end of the day, that’s what will make your wedding day memorable, unique & perfect in its own way. Photography: Mikayla Cisneroz Photography | Moodyography | Feather & Twine | Brooke Taelor Photography

Rehearsal dinners have been taking place for about as long as weddings have been happening, but who says they have to take place at a restaurant? And who says they have be to be during dinner time? Your wedding weekend should be all about the two of you, your favorite people, your favorite activities, and your favorite foods + drinks. "Rehearsal dinners" are for meeting both families, making new friends, letting your mother-in-law do her thing, wearing a cocktail dress, getting the toasts or roasts out of the way, and hopefully calming some nerves before the big day. Here are some non-traditional, non-restaurant rehearsal dinner ideas that have our brides thinking outside of the box! CHOOSE A THEME ​There’s a variety of themed rehearsal dinner ideas you can host and it creates a unique and fun party for you and your guests. Host a Hawaiian luau and order a pig roast and some summer cocktails. It's easy to find some awesome floral button ups accompanied with cheap leis! How about a good old Hoe Down with some line-dancing, fake mustaches, cowboy hats, brisket, potatoes and moonshine? Yes, please! DINER EN BLANC We all know it’s frowned upon to wear white to a wedding, but how about encouraging all of your guests to wear white to your rehearsal dinner? It’s a unique way to bring everyone together and the photos turn out gorgeous. You can feel free to wear white as well, or change it up and show up in a different color to stand out! If everyone is wearing white, be a little more careful on what you offer on the food & beverage menu - you won’t want to wear red wine or tomato sauce. It will be a great practice run for the next day! SING THE NIGHT AWAY Do you consider you and your significant other to be more musically inclined than others? Or do you just want to test out your vocal cords? Consider a karaoke night; either at a karaoke bar, or at home! Rent a table at a piano bar and sing your heart out! Nothing brings new friends together and reunites family members than some throwback songs to Celine Dion or Backstreet Boys. This will surely create some memories and stories for years to come... plus it may help keep the microphone out of people's hands on the day of! PICNIC & PLAYGROUND When was the last time you grabbed a blanket, some cheese & crackers and a bottle or two of wine and headed to a local park for a classic picnic? Keep it classy and simple by bringing a childhood memory back to life by racing down some slides, pushing each other on some swings, or grabbing some loaves of bread and feeding some ducks. This classic activity is perfect for all ages and most every season here in Texas. ​ The best part about this is that you can include the kids in wedding activities, without having to invite them to the actual wedding day. Don't forget to bring your photographer to capture some beautiful memories as the sun sets! SHOW OFF YOUR CITY Texas is a hot spot for destination weddings, so why not treat your friends and families to a tour of the city? Whether its an Austin inspired scavenger hunt, a miniature bar crawl, museum tours, or floating down the river - there’s plenty of activities right here for everyone to participate in! You can have your lunch or dinner on a chartered boat on the lake, go on the infamous duck adventures, or space out at Zilker Park - with dogs invited, of course! BRUNCH Whether it’s brunch for dinner or hosting a rehearsal day brunch early in the day, who doesn’t love some chicken & waffles? Not to mention the biscuits & gravy, bottomless mimosas, bloody mary’s and coffee! Brunch is a well-rounded meal that can accommodate any size group, any age group range and will bring your guests together to meet & celebrate you two over everyone's favorite meal of the day. PICK A LOCATION WITH A STORY We all have those friends and family members that want to be involved in every aspect of your lives. We suggest you pick a rehearsal dinner location that has a story - whether it’s where you two met (at a college football game), or where you had your first date (paddle boarding at Lady Bird Lake) or where you got engaged (at a winery in Fredericksburg). Your wedding day will be filled with memories, but you can still relive those first memories and stories the day before your happily ever after.​ GAME NIGHT Are you and your significant other more on the competitive side? Hosting a game night rehearsal dinner could let you both release some stress and anxiety. Keep it casual by ordering some take out and sit around the table playing your favorite board games. You can bring both of your families together quicker by pairing everyone up for some awesome games like charades, pictionary or heads up. Whether you win or lose at the games, your rehearsal guests will love laughing and learning more about the couple before you say I do. COSTUME PARTY A creative rehearsal dinner idea would be to host your own costume party. Let’s be honest, most people have some sort of costume in the back of their closet that needs to be shown off again. Keeping with the wedding theme, you could encourage all of your guests to come with their plus one as a character couple - make it competitive and have a few prizes for the best dressed! Christmas in July or a costume party around Halloween time is always a fun excuse to do something different and let your hair loose that way! CREATE A KEEPSAKE Give your guests a memory that they can take with them - such as a cooking class, cigar rolling class, or get everyone together to make their own pizzas. Activities give friends and strangers a task to perform, and naturally small talk and relationships grow. At the end of their project, you can have some food to eat and some cigars to smoke or a keepsake from the activity you choose to celebrate your big wedding day eve! WHAT'S YOUR OUTSIDE OF THE BOX REHEARSAL PLAN? EMAIL US AND LET US KNOW HOW YOU ARE YOUR WEDDING DAY EVE A SPECIAL ONE! All photographs courtesy of Moodyography

You've found your dream wedding venue and booked it, now what?! You need another "venue" for your wedding weekend - the space to host the rehearsal dinner for your family & wedding party. To help you find the rehearsal dinner location that best fits your needs, we've compiled a list of restaurants, breweries, distilleries, etc. that could be potential rehearsal dinner spots for all different size parties & budgets. Organized by the area of Austin your wedding venue might be in, from downtown to Dripping Springs, here's where you can start your search for a rehearsal dinner location. Scroll to the area of Austin your wedding is in and click on the links to each restaurant/distillery/etc. to learn more info about each! We hope this helps you find the perfect place for your rehearsal dinner. DOWNTOWN Restaurants Cooper's BBQ Emmer & Rye Hula Hut La Condesa Juliet Italian Kitchen Perry's Clay Pit Uchi & Uchiko Walton's El Meson Loro Eberly Breweries/Bars Central District Brewing Co. The Roosevelt Room/The Eleanor Nightcap Hotels Fairmont Hotel Ella South Congress Hotel The Line The Driskill The Carpenter Hotel Other Capital Cruises​ The Cathedral EAST AUSTIN Restaurants Justine's (Secret House) Hillside Farmacy Launderette Tillery Il Brutto Buenos Aires Cafe Rosewood Breweries/Bars Central Machine Works Hi Sign Brewing Whisler's Lazarus Brewing Co.​​ BASTROP Restaurants Casa Chapala Neighbor's Kitchen & Yard Store House Market + Eatery NORTH AUSTIN Restaurants Perry's (The Domain) Fleming's (The Domain) Juliet Italian Kitchen (Arboretum) Punch Bowl Social (The Domain)​​ Hotels Lone Star Court (The Domain) ​Archer (The Domain) DRIPPING SPRINGS Restaurants The Switch BBQ Breweries, Distilleries & Wineries 12 Fox Deep Eddy Tasting Room Jester King Brewery Treaty Oak Distilling Co. Dripping Springs Vodka Bell Springs Winery Twisted X Brewing Co. Revolution Spirits Stinson Distilling & Winery​ Family Business Beer Co. Last Stand Brewing Acopon Brewing Co. Real Ale Brewing Suds Monkey Brewing Other "I Do" BBQ​ ROUND ROCK, PFLUGERVILLE & GEORGETOWN Restaurants Cork & Barrel (Round Rock) Wildfire (Georgetown) The Golden Rule (Georgetown) Salt Lick BBQ (Round Rock) Breweries/Bars Barrels & Amps (Georgetown)​ ​ Mesquite Creek Outfitters Hotels Kalahari Resorts (Round Rock) SOUTH AUSTIN Rose Haven Bakery & Events Venue Restaurants Jack Allen's (Oak Hill) Carve​ Indian Roller Bars/Breweries Cosmic Coffee & Beer South Austin Beer Garden Pinthouse Brewing Lustre Pearl Parlay House WIMBERLEY/DRIFTWOOD Restaurants Salt Lick BBQ Trattoria Lisina & Mandola Vineyards Breweries, Distilleries & Wineries Desert Door Distillery Vista Brewing Other Pecan Grove WESTLAKE Restaurants ​The County Line Las Palomas Sway NORTHWEST AUSTIN + CEDAR PARK Restaurants/Event Spaces Haute Spot (Cedar Park) Blue Corn Harvest (Cedar Park) Pappasitos