September's Bride

Destination Weddings in Your Backyard: Grand Rapids, Mi

Tiffany Ellis — Sat, 12 May 2012 02:29:13 +0000

If you want the luxury and elegance of a destination wedding but not the hefty airline ticket prices that go with it then look no further than Grand Rapids. With the uniqueness and late night attitude of a big city yet the friendliness of a small town, you can’t go wrong with Grand Rapids, no matter what your theme (or budget) is. From elegant, chandelier decorated ball rooms to modern lofts with exposed brick, there is something for every bride in this city.

Many venues in Grand Rapids can accomodate both ceremony and reception, catering and tableware. The Grand Rapids Public Museum is the perfect choice if you are looking for one location to tackle the biggest areas of your big day. With a great, golden carousal, a charming replication of an old fashioned city street and a grand staircase leading to the fascinating floors above, the musuem fits every bride. Use the musuem’s beautiful knowledge filled building to host your upscale, modern nuptials or it’s children friendly environment to throw a fantasy wedding with cotton candy, burgers and other young-at-heart treats.

Ceremonies are held either outside next to the river or inside in the theatre. Afterwards couples will hold their reception on the first floor complete with the carousal, all exhibits and a dance floor. The musuem can hold up to 275 guests for a seated dinner or 500 for a standing reception. Don’t want to sift through all the caterers that Grand Rapids has to offer? Don’t worry. The musuem has their own in house caterer.

After the party is over send guests back to their hotel rooms at the Amway Grand Plaza, only a few blocks away from the musuem and right in the heart of Grand Rapids. With dozens of restaurants, unique shopping and attractions your guests will never be bored on your wedding weekend.

Whatever venue you choose you can’t go wrong with Grand Rapids when planning a local destination wedding. Guests will certainly feel like they were treated to a lavish mini-vacation without having to worry about passports, over-booked flights or foreign languages. At EVENTs by September’s Bride we have experience with both Grand Rapids and the Public Musuem; if you are interested in either don’t hesitate to give contact us with any questions. 616-355-1433 rachel@septembersbride.com or tiffany@septembersbride.com

Photo Courtesy of Grand Rapids Public Museum Photo Courtesy of flickriver.com

EVENTS Tip of the Week: Groom’s Cakes

Tiffany Ellis — Tue, 08 May 2012 18:27:39 +0000

If you’ve done even a little research into wedding cakes you have no doubt heard about groom’s cakes that can accompany the traditional white wedding cake at the reception. Groom’s cakes nowadays are typically smaller cakes specifically designated for the groom, decorated in his favorite hobby, his interests, etc. The tradition of the Groom’s cake dates all the way back to the 17th century and there are many different beliefs as to what it was originally intended for. Some say it was the top layer of the cake that was not meant to be eaten on the wedding day but soaked in brandy and saved for the couple’s first year anniversary. Others say it was a smaller fruit filled cake meant to be cut up and given to guests as favors. In the South the tradition has carried on the heaviest with the belief that single female guests should take a piece of the groom’s cake home, place it under their pillow and magically have dreams of their future husbands.

Whatever story you like best there are many ways to encorporate the tradition of the groom’s cake into your own wedding. Why not let your fiance pick the top layer of your wedding cake, filling, cake flavor and all as a way to honor him and then save it for your first anniversary. Or have a smaller cake made in a theme that the two of you have in common like mountain biking or your favorite movie to watch together; have waiters slice it up, wrap it up and give to guests as favors.

If you really want to get into the groom’s cake spirit then surprise your fiance with an over the top cake created just for him. Does he love Nintendo but would never dream that you would let any type of gaming theme into your beautiful day? Get him a cake shaped like a game controller! You know that lovable black lab that he had as a kid, honor the cute little pup by creating a cake in his memory!

With groom’s cakes the sky is the limit and they are a great way to add a personal touch to your wedding, reminding guests how truly unique you are!

Courtesy of Charm City Cakes

The SB Experience

Tami — Tue, 08 May 2012 13:58:51 +0000

There are several bridal stores in West Michigan; and most of them are well-run stores, full of beautiful dresses and competent employees. There are “full-service” bridal stores, that offer alterations, clothing for the entire wedding party, tuxedo rental, and more.

Why would you choose to buy your wedding gown at September’s Bride over any of the other stores?

The entire culture of our boutique is centered around being a blessing to our customers, team members, and our community. We constantly work to bring in some of the most unique wedding gowns available to our market and then to match those gowns with just the right bride. Each of us is genuinely delighted when we see a bride’s eyes light up when she comes out of the fitting room in “The Dress”.

Of course, we understand that your schedule and your budget are very important in the final decision of which wedding gown you choose. We want you to let us know what might be standing between you and your perfect gown; it is our goal to do everything we can to help you wear just that one on your wedding day!

Once you purchase your gown, you have an entire team of our consultants with you…we want you to visit, ask questions, and let us be just a small part of your wedding. We’ll keep tabs on the status of your gown order and even rush your alterations when needed to be sure that you are not stressed about anything that we can handle for you.

From the moment you walk into our boutique, you’ll feel at home at September’s Bride!

Holland Sentinel :: All about Prom

Tami — Tue, 08 May 2012 11:06:42 +0000

Tami was interviewed recently about trends and costs for Prom 2012. Here’s the link to the article in the Holland Sentinel…

http://www.hollandsentinel.com/news/x1260495650/Pricey-proms-Teens-deal-with-costs-for-the-big-dance

September’s Bride Around the World: Skype Appointments

Tiffany Ellis — Tue, 01 May 2012 15:31:27 +0000

Weddings are an emotional, exciting, personal event that all members of your family and your life want to be a part of. At September’s Bride we have seen our fair share of teary brides who are thrilled to find the perfect dress yet are sad that their mom is in another state and can’t share in the special decision; or the frustrated bride who has bridesmaids in other cities or even countries who have their own opinion on what they want to wear and want to see the bridesmaid dress choices to help make the decision. We are pleased to offer our brides Skype appointments so that they no longer have to leave anyone out when making important wedding attire choices. With our wi-fi code you will be able to skype anywhere in our shop via your phone, i-pad or computer as you try on gown after gown. Don’t have skype? No problem. Let us know in advance and we will have a device ready for you so all your loved one can share in your special day.

At September’s Bride we have had brides skype with sisters, friends and moms everywhere from Denver to Dallas, in the next city over and even in England with a perky sister who gave the bride her opinions in a cute british accent. If you are stressed about someone special being far away, please let us help you out to make your dress buying experience that much easier. Call and make an appointment today. 616-355-1433.

May is for Moms!

Tami — Tue, 01 May 2012 01:19:07 +0000

At September’s Bride, we truly LOVE our Moms! So, May is for Moms around here.

Each Mom (step-mom) who purchases a “Mother-of-the-Bride/Groom” gown during the month of May will have her name entered in a drawing for a very special Accessories Package to be given away at the end of the month.

The Accessories will include a beautiful bracelet from MEG Jewelry, a pair of SPANX (every woman’s secret weapon), a fabulous Sondra Roberts clutch, and a pretty hanky embroidered with “Mother”.

Any of our gown consultants are more than honored to help moms shop for these special gowns. However, we have a “Mother’s Specialist” at September’s Bride. Her name is Bernice and she just loves to help moms; and moms love to work with Bernice.

So, call the boutique to make an appointment, with Bernice or any of us, and be sure to choose your gown in May to get entered in our special “May is for Moms” drawing!

EVENTS Tip of the Week: Pint-Sized Guests

Tiffany Ellis — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 14:17:50 +0000

Courtesy of theknot.com

If you’ve already started working on your guest list you’ve most likely run into the dilema of whether or not to invite little kiddos to your wedding. For some couples they know their guests well enough to be able to explain that they are going to have an adults only wedding because of the formality of the event or the desire for all guests, including parents, to be able to relax and enjoy themselves without wondering if their kids are knocking down the ice sculpture. For other couples they may have a good number of neices and nephews, cousins, friends etc. with young children and the wedding just wouldn’t be the same without little Camden showing off his dance moves or Sophia twirling in her new party dress.

If you have decided to allow children into your wedding, the choice doesn’t end there. Just because you’ve decided to have little ones running around on your big day doesn’t mean you need to have an “anything goes” attitude about what the little angels decide to do. There are several things that you can do to help keep things under control and ensure that the kids have a good time as well.

Nobody likes it when they are right in the middle of listening to a groom recite his hand written vows when an unruly toddler decides that he no longer wants to sit still and be good and starts to fuss and kick. To curb the tantrums during the ceremony have little packets of crayons and coloring pages available while guests are being seated.

Once at the reception you may think that the kid friendly decisions are over but remember what you would have felt like at a fancy reception at that age. Chances are your 8 year old self wouldn’t have been very appreciative of the garlic rubbed steak and risotto. Ask your caterer if they can do a kid option of macaroni and cheese or hotdogs. Create a kids only station with tables covered in colorable paper with crayons, markers and other fun acitivites like bubbles, hula hoops and other games. If your venue has the capacity think about setting up a screening room in a separate area with popcorn and The Lion King or Beauty and the Beast playing for pint-sized guests.

If you take the time to think about guests of all ages, you will have everyone at your wedding raving at the success of your big day, both old and young.

Just a Dress?

Tami — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:00:07 +0000

To most brides, it’s not “just a dress”.

Due to the popularity of shows like “Say Yes to the Dress”, more and more people are exposed to the seemingly high costs of bridal gowns and weddings in general. Many express disbelief at paying $1000, $2000, and even $10,000 on a bunch of fabric that is “only going to be worn once”. I get it, I really do. There are millions of souls on this planet who do not know where they are going to find fresh water, food, or a place to sleep today. I believe it is our moral obligation to balance any luxuries that we may afford with kindness and compassion to fellow humans who have little or nothing.

On the other hand, once a bride and groom have responsibly established their wedding budget, the bride’s choice of her wedding day apparel becomes so much more than just a dress to be worn for a few hours.

The wedding dress symbolizes her love for her groom, personal style, and desire to celebrate, all wrapped up in a carefully selected fabric, style, and “look”. Who doesn’t love that first look as the bride starts down the aisle for the wedding ceremony? The shy smile from her and the pleased sighs from the guests let us know that all the time and money spent on choosing just the right dress, veil, and flowers was worth it all!

The same applies to dresses chosen for the bridesmaids, the moms, and even the guests! This day is special; a day of pledges and celebration. It should be recognized with thoughtful preparation and more than “just a dress”.

Destination Weddings in your Backyard: Holland, Mi

Tiffany Ellis — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 18:36:36 +0000

The tulips are blooming right now in Holland and at September’s Bride we’ve got a gorgeous view of all the colorful bulbs on 8th street. In honor of the Tulip Time festival in the next few weeks our Destination Wedding for this week takes place in our very own Holland, MI. While I may be a little biased being born and raised in Holland, I truly believe that our downtown Holland MI is one of the best places to get married in West Michigan. With beautiful venues, delicious restaurants and comfortable lodging, no bride would be in want if she held her nuptials in Holland.

For a breathtaking back-drop our number one recommendation is Windmill Island. Just a few blocks from Main Street, Windmill Island provides both a great ceremony and reception site. Brides have the option to be married in their elegant outdoor pavillion with the view of the tulip fields in the background, as well as the historic De Zwaan Windmill, a gift from the Netherlands. Guests will later dine in their covered tent, stroll the paths that cirlce the flower beds and peaceful canals and maybe take a ride on the Merry-go-round.

photo courtesy of hope.edu

Windmill Island is happy to provide brides with an approved list of wonderful caterers in the area and September’s Bride would highly recommend Alpen Rose for an Island wedding or anywhere in holland for that matter. WIth European and American favorites the restuarant can accomadate any party, whether it is a formal, plated wedding or a small bridal shower brunch. And with it’s own bakery, the desserts are unforgettable.

photo courtesy of alpenrose.com

After a night of celebration treat your guests to rooms in City Vu flats, an earth friendly hotel located on 7th street. With 56 rooms each uniquely designed so no two are the same, guests will love being only one block from 8th street shopping, dining and coffee houses. During your wedding weekend guests can dine on the top floor resturant with beautiful views of downtown holland.

photo courtesty of cityflatshotel.com

At September’s Bride we know exactly why Holland was voted one of the happiest cities in the country and we would love to help you plan one of the happiest weddings. Contact us at 616-355-1433 or rachel@septembersbride.com, tiffany@septembersbride.com for even more suggestions on planning a Holland, MI wedding. Happy Tulip Time!

Desire to be You

Tiffany Ellis — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 20:02:26 +0000

I just read an article this morning about brides who are now having feeding tubes inserted into their noses, down their throats and into their stomach as a way of extreme dieting. They keep the tube in for ten days, live on 800 calories a day and starve their bodies enough so that they can lose up to twenty pounds in a week as a way of looking good on their wedding day. At September’s Bride we deal with girls’ insecurities all the time and we have heard it all: My chest is too flat, my arms are too flabby, my shoulders are too wide and the most popular, my hips are too big.

When our consultants reassure you that no, your hips aren’t too big and yes, even if you didn’t lose weight before the big day you would still be beautiful, we truly mean it. We see dozens and dozens of girls each week and one of our biggest beliefs at the boutique is that curves are beautiful and the things that make you different from the girl next door (or in the magazines) are the gorgeous things that make you stand out and are the reasons your fiance fell in love with you in the first place. So yes, thin is lovely. So is tall and toned, short and curvy, big chested and smalled chested. If we were all the same then dressing up and looking your best wouldn’t nearly be as fun.

We are big advocates at September’s Bride of taking care of your body, eating healthy and exercising because it makes you feel better. Come to our Project Wedding: Healthy Bride night on April 30 to learn more about ways to take care of the body you have right now, make your skin glow and healthy recipes to try so that you are glowing and energetic on your wedding day, not exhausted and hungry.